A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees

Main menu

Ask Us

Is there anything you would like to know about the Borough of Stockton, its history, its industries, its buildings or its people? Just add a comment with your query to this page and we will endeavour to answer it. If we don’t know the answer it may well be that some of our site visitors do…

NOTE – Please use the ‘Reply‘ option when answering a query.

1,791 thoughts on “Ask Us”

What a joy to find this site! I have recently discovered that my mother, Marjorie Parker as was, married Geoffrey F Cartwright (not my father) in Stockton in 1936. I seem to remember her telling me that he was the head of insurance at ICI and I know they lived very well. Would ICI tie in with the area? I believe he died a few years after they were married but know no more. Can anyone provide me with any further details on any part of this story, I know just these bare bones. Thank you.

Is it possible to find out the former location of Erimus Cottages in Thornaby? All I have to go on is that a police constable, Robert Rhodes Castling, was living at number 29 in 1889. I would be grateful for any information

David, the Erimus Cottages stood next to the Erimus Hotel on the old “Wilderness” Road from Thornaby to Middlesbrough. You will find the cottages clearly marked on the following map, zoom in to see them near the old racecourse. https://maps.nls.uk/view/101100524

I’m trying to piece together our family history. My father Frank Raymond Waddington according to his Birth Certificate was born on Black Dog Farm, Portrack in 1917. Despite trawling through many (faded) maps of Portrack for that period, i haven’t as yet been able to pinpoint this farm. Can anybody assist at all?

George, there were two farms situated next to each other on Portrack Lane at the year you mention. One was called Black Farm, and the other was Dog Hill Farm. You can see them on the map on the following link, zoom in and you will find them near the left hand edge of the map.https://maps.nls.uk/view/102341743

Hi
I’m trying to trace the family history of Kenneth Wilkinson b. 13/6/46. Parents lived in Stanley Grove, Albert and Grace Wilkinson. I’m trying to follow my grandma’s line Grace, I believe was Howden and they had a fruit and veg shop in Old Thornaby. Any further info would be much appreciated.
Thankyou
Andrea

Andrea, in 1942 your granma Grace Howden married Albert Wilkinson at Leeds.
The survey of residents in England, undertaken in 1939, just before the start of WW II, shows Grace Howden living with her parents Frederick and Elizabeth at 50 Gladstone Street, Stockton. Her parents had a fried fish shop.
Frederick Howden had married Elizabeth Cottingham at Reeth in 1918.
The birth of their daughter Grace was registered in Lincoln in 1921.
Frederick Howden’s line can be traced back to East Yorkshire in the early 1800s.
Hope that this helps.

Grace Howden I remember well, I was at school with her and yes her parents did have a fruit shop in George Street. Her Mothers sister I think was Mrs Bashford also had a general shop in Russell Street. I was at school with Grace and am now 99 years of age.

Hello, I’m writing you from Spain because I’m doing a research about a footballer called Andrew Veitch who played in the 10’s of the 20th century. He played for Stockton FC /The Ancients) al least from 1911 to 1914. He was one of the lads who won the FA Amateur Cup in 1912 for the club against Eston United after a replay match. He also played twice for England Amateur national team in 1913 and was called to join the colours in 1914 (WWI). If only somebody could give me any information about him, his relatives or anywhere to ask about him I would be really thankful. I’m a bit in a rush about this. Cheers!

I’m trying to remember a story from probably the early 1980’s. A local guy, Brian Alfred (?) who owned or ran Sound it Out record store in Stockton. He went on a long and convoluted motorcycle ride on a whim and ended up out in the middle East somewhere (I think!)
Not too sure of the full details but would love to reacquaint myself with the story again. There was a Gazette piece on him at the time when he finally resurfaced. Anyone remember?

Does anyone have a picture of the logo that was used by (I believe) The council in the early 90s? It featured prominently in Stockton swimming baths before it was demolished. It was a stylised letter S, where the top was shaped like ramparts and the bottom shaped like a river. I can’t find any evidence online, and can’t imagine it’s fondly remembered, but it did make an impression on me at the time!

Anthony, you can still see the fountain on Hartburn Bank if you use Google Earth on “Street View”. There appears to be a metal plaque on it these days. I suspect that the fountain was fed by water from the fields to the rear. By the 1950s those fields had become allotments, some with their own wells as the water table was quite high. When that land was built on it was called the Springfield Estate, the clue is in the name. I recall that there was a trough in front of the stone arch, so I suspect that it was originally a horse trough for animals about to tackle coming up Hartburn Bank.

Margaret, I do not know Kathleen Green, but I have looked her up in Stockton records and there was somebody of that name who married a James E Cox in 1962 at Stockton. I suspect that they were the same couple who had two children Susan Cox (b.1963) and Michael Andrew Cox (b.1966). I hope this helps you in your search.

Kath Greene sadly passed away aged 62 .She lived in Norton and had divorced Jimmy Cox and remarried. Her name was Tuck. She was a most bubbly fun lady and must be the person you remember if Kathleen Greene had a great sense of humour.

Hello. Are there any photos of the row of Victorian houses on Bishopton Road, we live in number 9 and wondered if it had another house attached? The property has bad subsidence. Also are they built on a old coal mines? Thank you

My dad told me that Portrack got it’s name because, before the river was cut in the early 19th century, the meander in the river was a port where ships would have to wait because they couldn’t navigate the route until the tide came in.

Once the tide came in the ships were safely guided by teams of men who stood on the shorelines and pulled the vessels round the river bend using ropes. This practice was known as ‘racking’ – hence the name ‘port rack’.

I can’t find any further information on this, is anyone able to verify if this is true or point me to any sources which make reference to it?

Jake, I also was told that is how Portrack got its name, but I cannot find any documentation to verify it. But the racking must have taken place many centuries ago. By 1704 it was common for large ships to stop at Portrack and transfer their cargo into smaller lighters which would then complete the journey upstream to Stockton. Or if the cargo was timber, the wood would be taken to Stockton from Portrack by road.

I have recently received a couple of pictures taken from very nearly the same location, one shows the Cleveland Flour Mill during its demolition and is dated 1970, the other is of a swimming competition in the river, it was organised by the Northern Echo, this is dated 1930, the building shown in this picture is not the concrete flour mill, it is brick and tile and has windows, this building does appear in a number of pictures from earlier times, does anybody know when the concrete mill was built.

Bruce, any chance of you putting the picture of the swimming competition on the site. My grandfather swam competitively in the Tees, whats the date of the Northern Echo it was in as I would like to read the article.

When I was younger my Grandma lived in Cornfield Road, Thornaby and she used to take me to an off licence/shop on Thornaby Road near to the Rec, does anyone know what it was called? It wasn’t the Mayfair shops.

Do you have any references to local table tennis 🏓 teams?
My husband Malcolm Corking is in the process of writing a book about Stockton Table Tennis League which was started in October 1933. Any information you can supply would be gratefully received.

Hi, I am a second-year Interior Design Student at Teesside University. I am researching into post-war buildings and trying to find some details on ‘K2 Nightclub or formerly known as La Ronde in Billingham’. I am aware the nightclub has now sadly been demolished.

However, I was hoping someone might have some information or interior images they wouldn’t mind sharing or even a memory they might have, any information would be helpful.

Hi Abigail, I think you may be referring to ‘KD’ rather than K2 nightclub. This was situated on Station Rd, opposite Davisons pharmacy, now the Buffs club (I think). KD was supposed to be ‘Kave Dwellers’ at the peak of the Beatles fame (as The Cavern in Liverpool). This was the 60’s and very popular with teenagers. The inside had no windows and was meant to look like the inside of a cave! I hope this helps. 🙂

When I was about 5/6 years old (1961/62) I returned with my younger brother and Mum to meet our Nanny Rose Goodwin for what we thought was the first time. I was obviously too young to remember her any from any earlier. We travelled up by steam train from London to Thornaby. She lived in No 3? Anderson Street which at that end ran parallel with Mandale Road with The Bon Lea pub. It was a street typical of old Thornaby which was a very long row of terraced houses which ran in a sort of loose semi circle. There were buildings behind Anderson Street that must have overlooked Mandale Road. At the top end of the street lived a Doctor which I think must have been No 1. I have seen aerial images of Thornaby and I have been able to make out Anderson Street faintly in the distance but I have never seen any images of the street as it existed close up. It got knocked down with just about every other street when the A66 was built. It ran towards Heslop Street and Teesdale Terrace which are still standing. I also remember the shop at that end of the semi circle. To my question. Does anyone own any images of Anderson Street from the sixties? By the way I don’t mean Anderson Road.

I would be interested in knowing where Church Street was in Port Clarence. My MOTHER Margaret White was born there in 1925 at No. 12. If any photographs exist of the street I would be delighted to see them.

I have a very serious question about the area I live in as I’m experiencing some very strange activity in my house that I have just moved to. I live on Pottery Warf, Thornaby and I would really like to know how far this site dates back and what was here before all the houses were build and if this was a war site and if there is any photos of what was here before. Please help me to figure out why I’m having very bad nights from the strange activity going on. It’s really got me thinking if there has been death in the area. Thank you for reading this and I hope you can help me find out what was here in order for me to understand better what could be trying to communicate with me by waking me up with strange banging and noises I cant explain. Thank you kindly

Hello, thank you for your enquiry.
What is now Pottery Wharf was originally the site of a pottery, sometimes known as the Stafford Pottery, which began in 1825. There were some houses in Stafford Place, which ran from Thornaby Road to the pottery, but they were not quite on the site of Pottery Wharf, and unfortunately we do not know of any thing unusual that happened in that area, and could be causing the problems you are having. Sorry that we can not be of any further help.

My Partner and I would be willing to come and see if we can record some of the activity you may be experiencing and if we can get you some answers to some of the Paranormal Issues you are having. Please look at Harrogate Paranormal Society or Harrps.com. Please contact us on biltonparanormal@aol.com. We do not charge. 07432-154609 Susan Harker

I have a death certificate for my late grandfather Herbert Young aged 68 yrs old and it states he fell down the stairs and broke his neck whilst in a Social Services home in Hunters Lane, Stockton-on-Tees in 1939… whereabouts was Hunters Lane?

Sylvia, here is a link to a map of Stockton which shows Hunters Lane. The map is dated 1938. https://maps.nls.uk/view/101100482
If you zoom into the map and follow the River Tees just past Stockton and around to the right, you will see two places where a Ferry is marked operating across the river. Look on the north bank of the river and you will see Hunters Lane. It was in part of the oldest part of Stockton.

Complete long shot… I’m looking to trace a friend I met in around 1992 in Stockton-on-Tees. He will be approximately 46 now (in 2020). All I remember of him is his name, Chris (short for Christopher), he had blonde hair, loved the beatles Abby Road album, his best friend at the time was a baker. Chris himself worked at the time in some sort of chemical or processing plant. His ex girlfriend’s first name began, I think, with E. Not much to go one so this is a stab in the dark……!

Cath, my aunty Lizzie (Evans) lived at 56, Doncaster Crescent when Ragworth first built, she had one of the first TVs on the estate, no kid was ever turned away, children’s hour seems all the kids on estate went in, always house full.
All the best.
Derek

I am a distant relative of people who owned and ran a market garden business in Fairfield, Stockton-on-Tees in the early 1900’s. Their surname was Vickers, but I don’t know the name of the business itself?

Does anyone out there know anything about this business and/or the Vickers’ family, and is the business still in existence please?

Looking at the 1914 Kelly’s Directory we have found an entry for a Marmaduke Hay of the North End boiler works in Major Street which is not far from Maritime Road. The earliest directory that we hold, that has an entry for Marmaduke, is an 1894 directory for Durham. The North End boiler works is listed as being at Major Street and also includes an entry for an Alexander Hay.

Hi all, my grandad Robert Casey was born 1895 Stockton, as a young lad living in housewife lane he joined the kings own Scottish border’s 1912 with best mate Pat Sullivan, at some time before great war broke out a photo was taken of the pair of them, this photo hung on the living room wall of Pats sister Biddy Hughs who married W Hughs and lived in Danby road, when Danby road was demolished I was hoping a relative would have saved the old photo, a very very long shot, if photo survived? could I please have a copy.
might be only chance I have to see what my grandad looked like.
all the best.
Derek
ps please ask Picture Stockton for my email.

Derek Casey – I’m been doing some research on the 1911 census to find out who lived in the Housewife Lane area at the time. The name Casey crops up, probably your ancestor or family member. I think there’ll be army photo of him. Try applying to the ‘Kings Own Scottish Borders regiment as I assume he served during WW1. The family’s address was ‘the Quayside’ (round the corner from Housewife Lane at the time. Good Luck

I wonder if your friend was describing the Spigot Mortar that was situated near Greatham Creek as part of WW II’s coastal defences against any invasion?http://www.hidden-teesside.co.uk/category/wartime-relics/page/7/
What was fed into the mortar looked like a rocket, check out a couple of You Tube videos showing the mortar in use.

I am trying to track down the children of Thomas Harris and Mary Kemp. There were 11 of them including my mother, Margaret Lenham (nee Harris). I know two were killed in the war. George, Thomas D, Robert, Mary May, Alfred, Doris, Richard, Susan, Lawrence, Kenneth and Joan.
If anyone can help it would greatly increase my understanding of our family tree.

David, I have managed to find a number of the people that you are looking for, and I regret to say that they were born so long ago that most have passed away by now.
Richard (b.1922) died at Keighley in 1987.
Susan (b.1924) died at Stockton in 1996.
Ernest died in infancy (b & d. 1925)
Lawrence (b.1926) died in 1989 in Cleveland.
Kenneth (b.1928) died at Stockton in 1997.
Joan (b.1930) died in County Durham in 1988.
Rose died in infancy (b. & d. 1939)

There seems to be some confusion over the exact number of children and the dates of death of some of the boys. This is probably because of the dates of their births being too recent to pick them up on the census and/or a lack of family records.

In 1978/1979/1980 I was pictured outside Salters Lane youth club petitioning for a new building to be built to replace our old wooden one. I am the one in the denim shirt next to my mate in the rugby shirt Paul Rigg. We got the new one built. Has any one got pictures of it and that time? thanks

Hi. There was some land and a large house which was demolished to build the Fairville Road estate in Fairfield. Do you have any photographs of it? It was derelict in the early 60’s and we used to play inside.
Thanks
Steve Brown

According to the 1917-18 Ward’s Directory there were no pubs on Wellington Street at that time. It may interest you to know that there was a temperance hotel at No.29 run by a Mrs A.R. Flockton, and a beer retailer (Mrs S. Strathern) at No.95.

Can anyone remember Harriet – an old “fish-woman”, who in my memory regularly drove her pony-hauled 2-wheeled fish cart from I think West Hartlepool/Seaton Carew (the name painted on the tailboard of the trap) to Eaglescliffe throughout the 1950s and certainly into the 1960s. Seemed a very long journey for a small beast. Mam used to say, “Oh, it’s Harriet!”, then dash out to buy kippers, “yellow” (smoked) fish or whatever else on the cart that week. The fish would be laid out on plates or boxes(?) covered by tea-towels or possibly even greaseproof paper. All the fish we had was OK – never anything “going off”. Then living at Eaglescliffe, I last saw her on the increasingly busy A19 to Stockton in 1964, i.e. the year I got my new “racing” bike. Any photograph would be fantastic.

A Pint for Cricketers in Portrack!
Rather a cryptic title to which I suspect that few will see a connection. Someone, however may have a bit of information to help me to solve a riddle I discovered while researching a part of my family history in Portrack in Stockton. The Cricketers arms on Portrack Lane is now finished as a hostelry. It is Land Registered as number 2, but it has no number on any map pre-land registry to my knowledge. More interestingly is it’s name. After some research I understand that Portrack had an excellent cricket ground in the mid 1800’s; Yorkshire playing first class County matches there in 1858 and 1861. The pub certainly existed pre-1900 and probably around the time of Brown’s Iron Works. I know where the pub is but where oh where was the cricket field? The current Stockton Cricket Club was formed after WW2 and is therefore not connected. Does any one have any information that can help me or point me in the right direction to solving this riddle?

Derek, a map of Stockton for 1857 shows a cricket ground immediately to the north of Portrack Lane Iron Works. You can see it on this map athttps://maps.nls.uk/view/102341740 zoom in to see the detail. As I cannot see any other cricket ground in the borough, this must be where the annual Whitsuntide fair was held.

Hi – My grandmother was Mary Eleanor Lovett (nee Kelley) (1894-1978) daughter of James Kelley (1863- 1929) of Stockton. I am researching my mothers (Greta) family tree and would like to make contact with any relatives of James and Eleanor Kelley. I believe James was the last ferryman of the Kelley family and any information on Kelley’s ferry’s would be helpful.

Hi Stockton Library Service – I’m looking for some images of the Tees Barrage being built. 1991-1995. I’ve found a couple on your site but wondered if any of the development authorities that undertook the work might have added them to your archive?

Hello I’m trying to find a old school picture of my father Kenneth Lewis. He went to Freddie Natt. He was born in 1943.
The Lewis Family lived in Southfield Crescent.
Family members Potts helped built some of the houses.
The Lewis family later moved to 12 Warfe Street.
Derek, Jean, Kenneth (my father), Edward, Geoffrey, Jane.
Parents were David and Vera.

I have a parish church bazaar booklet from 1894. Is anyone aware of the existence of one of these and heard of it? 62 pages and has a picture of the marchioness of Londonderry and various maps of Stockton with aspects of what they were looking to do building the town. Can’t find anywhere on the internet any info on it.

Using our subscription to the British Newspaper Archive we have found several articles referring to the Parish Church’s bazaar which was held in October 1894. It appears that the bazaar was held to raise additional funds for the restoration of the Parish Church. I will email some of the newspaper articles that we found to you.

Ben, Hunters Lane ran between the old Cattle Market and the North Shore Ship Yard. You can see it on this map of Stockton from the 1890s.https://maps.nls.uk/view/101100488
Zoom in and look for the North Shore Ship Yard, which lay on the north bank of the River Tees. You will find Hunters Lane just to the left of the shipyard.

Hello,
I am researching my family from Stockton and a search retrieved this
“Ask Us | Picture Stockton Archive
They later moved to Station Road, Billingham and later Gloucester TC and …… In 1957 Ruby married Allan R HICK. …… Jesse his wife 47yrs born Durham”.
Ruby is my mum and Allan my dad – but I can’t find the article on your website – could you give a few search clues and save my sanity please?

The large houses on Oxbridge Lane that are to the west of Richmond Road are known as the “West Villas”. All of those houses were given names when they were built about 1885. Do you know if your house originally had a name, as it would help in identifying the former occupants.

The 1939 register shows that living there were, Daniel Tyber b.3 May 1889, and his occupation, interestingly reported as , Chemist, Director Explosive., wife? Elizabeth Tyber b.16 Oct 1890 (Household domestic dutes), and Irene W. Tyber b.9 Jan 1918, Typist (later married to a Mr Kidd). There may have been other children, but the records are closed for some who may have still been alive until recently. (2 records covered over)

Does anyone remember a Peggy Simpson from Oxbridge who had a son named Derrick in the 1940s who died I think in his 50s. Any information would be greatly appreciated
I think he attended Oxbridge school.

Hello, do you have any street maps showing Haverton Hill between 1912- 1950s? Also do you know how I can find details of 11 Clarence Street and who lived there? Is it possible to find addresses for my grandparents Sarah Ann (Latham) and William Daniel who moved to the area and married in St John’s Church in 1912/13. They moved there from Cheshire and Thirsk and I am trying to fill in the gaps of when and why they came. They later moved to Station Road, Billingham and later Gloucester TC and Lincoln Crescent. Thanks very much.

Hi Judith, to see Haverton Hill about 1920 go to the following website and zoom inhttps://maps.nls.uk/view/101100512
The Latham family moved to Haverton Hill about 1893. This can be deduced from the records of where their children were born. Sarah Ann was born in Winsford, Cheshire in 1892. But the next child, Rachel, was born in Haverton Hill in 1894.
By 1939, William and Sarah Daniel and their 5 (?) children were living at 13 Gloucester Terrace in Billingham.
The 1911 Census shows that Sarah Ann was not living with her parents. She was 19 years old and had found a job at Bridge Farm, Crosby, near Northallerton.
In those days it was traditional for a daughter to get married in her home parish, hence the marriage at Haverton Hill.

I am researching the death of my great great aunt, Winifred Hill. When she was just 10 years old, her body was found in the River Tees. She died in January 1920. Her death certificate says she was found at ‘Craig’s Wharf’ in Thornaby (I presume this means Craig Taylor’s Shipyard) and cause of death was unknown. Anyone have any ideas of how I can find out more about this?

Claire – Try the Coroner’s report which should be in Teesside archives… You’d need Winifred’s date of birth (and death). An obituary could also help which you may be able to find in the library. Good luck

Hello, has anyone got an old map of Stockton-on-Tees? I lived in Pearson Street in the 1960s and all I can remember is that the street was demolished after my family moved out. If I remember rightly it was 70s.
Thank you
L.Hilton

Would anyone know of a Mary Cooper who, as a Land Girl in WWII was posted to a small form in Herefordshire and who contributed the article below. The farm was where I grew up and the people mentioned were my relatives including my father – now deceased.
I moved to Australia many years ago and have lost touch with people who could fill in the gaps surrounding that part of my early childhood. I suspect Mary may also now have passed away but would be interested in hearing from anyone who has any details about this period

Hi please could you tell me the name of the pub on the corner opposite the DHS building it is a restaurant now but in 1997 I had a hen party in there and was trying to think what name the pub was then. It’s on Bridge Road Stockton-on-Tees.

I was born in Stockton-on-Tees in 1951. My mother owned The Sun Inn, The pub I think you mean was the Metropole Hotel which was opposite corner to DHSS as I worked above them in a solicitors office. The Metropole after about 1988 must have had at least 5 names all short term. The building next door was the County Court which also turned into a pub. If you google The Metropole Hotel you will see area maybe the Thomas Sheritan. A pub on every corner.

What was the chapel on the east side of Mandale Road/Mansfield Street junction in Thornaby?
I dimly remember the Boys Brigade being based there. Any information and pictures would be gratefully received.

Does anyone remember the pub and old job center on Bridge Road where Kwik Fit is now or the flour mill on the rivers edge near the bridge where the old Radio Tees was? It took two attempts to blow that mill down 40 years ago

Tracey Molloy – I’ve just checked ‘History of lost pubs’ at Stockton… There’s a good photo dated (roughly 1950). I’m a bit puzzled why it has ‘Hearts of Oak’ on the pub, yet the intro says ‘Grey Horse’ Also try looking up your family’s details on Ancestry (free at libraries)… You’ll need their name. Hope this helps – Mandy

Martin – Sorry, you must think me very rude for not replying sooner re the ‘Hearts of Oak”. I hadn’t realised it was a Benefit Society. The name simply sounds like a pub, so I had assumed it was! Thanks very much.

According to Wards trade directory 1928-29, the Grey Horse Inn/Hotel/Public House was listed as run by a G.M. Watson. (although not given, most likely was a chap). Other years & directories are available in Stockton Library and some online.
Hope this helps a little.

In the 1928-29 edition of Wards trade directory, the person listed for the Grey Horse @ 86 High Street was G.M.Watson (most likely but no certain a male). Other directories are available on line and in Stockton Referance Library.
Hope this helps a touch.

Hi, please can any one help me, my aunt eileen Tippey born about 1934, parents Walter & Norah Tippey, aunt Eileen died early, I think she married an Haverton Hill lad called Tommy Harrison, no idea of marriage date, did aunt Eileen have a child from her marriage.
Thanks.
Derek

Derek, Eileen Tippey was born 9 October 1931, a sister to Kathleen (b.1927), Lawrence (b.1929), Bernard (b.1935) and Michael (b.1938). In 1939, the Tippey family lived in Moray Road, at the west end of Norton Avenue. In early 1952, Eileen married Thomas W. Harrison. The previous year David Harrison had been born to them, but he died within a few weeks of his birth. I can find no records of any other children being born to them. Eileen died in 1956, only 24 years old.

Would it be possible to discover any of the history of a Stockton-on-Tees business, which flourished in the mid nineteenth century?
William Windels is the name engraved on the installation plate, on the Bishopton Church Clock. Although he installed it, and probably maintained it, and many others in the district, it was probably bought in, from a specialist manufacturer. I wonder if the Town Hall clock, in Stockton was installed by him, is it still in use?

I was lead to this enquiry, while restoring a remarkably ancient turret clock, which he, William Windels, may have worked on when it was at Friarage House, in Yarm-on-Tees. Reputed to have been in the stable buildings since monastic times. Incredibly the former occupants removed it on leaving!

Bob, I can not find a “Windels” in Stockton mid-19th C., but there was a William Windle with premises on Stockton High Street. In 1851 his occupation was a silversmith, but by 1861 he describes himself as “Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith”. And by 1861 he had a couple of apprentice watchmakers under him.
I wonder if this might be your man? He died in 1863, and was buried in Holy Trinity churchyard, Stockton.

I’m trying to find the wife of Frank Dixon her name is Sylvia Dixon and he was friends with John who owned the Princess of Wales in Stockton.
Frank passed away many years ago but I’m looking for his wife who may be able to help me get pics of my dad

Can you tell me the name of a fabrication firm in Portrack late 60s early 70s please?
It began with an ‘S’, my friends husband served his time there but he died recently and his wife is struggling to remember for the eulogy,
Thank you Mrs Susan Aaron

Hello – We are trying to trace our family tree and are looking for any old photographs of Parliament Street, Stockton-on-Tees.
The family was the Mackenzie Family. The boys signed up with the Gordon Highlanders, they lived there around the late 1800s / 1900
Thanks you

Hi, I am trying to make contact with my mothers family who where from the Thornaby/Stockton area. Her name was Fay Pollock her parents were William Pollock and Rachael Pollock they moved to Yorkshire in the 1930s with her three brothers and two sisters and I can remember in the 1970 visiting the Stockton area to see family who had children younger than myself I would have been around 20.

Peter, here is some initial information about the Pollock family.
William Edward Pollock married Rachel Bland at Stockton in 1924. They had the following children – John (b.1925), Constance (b.1927), Margery (b.1928), Thomas (b.1931) and Fay (b.1935). By 1939, the family were living in Park Street, Rotherham. William Pollock had been born into a large family so I will try and find if any are still living in the Stockton area.

Your grandfather, William Pollock had the following brothers who all married and had children of their own –
James Pollock (1896-1960) m. Elizabeth A Ward in 1912.
John T Pollock (1898-1980) m. Annie McKee in 1920
Ernest Pollock (1906 – 1973) m. Alice M Dowson in 1933
Look in the on-line BT Directory and you will find that there are still residents in the area named Pollock.

Hi Peter, my grandfather was John T. Pollock, who married my grandmother Annie McKee. I actually work in the family history section here so if you would like to contact me, my email is julie.allinson@stockton.gov.uk.

Hi my name is Vivien and I am trying to find some information about my grandfather Patrick Burke, he was born in County Sligo, Ireland about 1879 he came over to England not sure when or if he came with his parents or on his own. He worked at Ashmore Benson & sons in Stockton-on-Tees as a labourer before 1914, he must have moved to Altrincham in Cheshire as he was on the electoral register as living at 19 Chapel Street, Altrincham and this is the address from where he joined the Army in 1914. When he came out of the army he married Mary Andrews who was also I think from Ireland. I am struggling to find the information on his time living and working in Stockton-on-Tees.

Vivien, there is a record of a Patrick Burke marrying Mary R Andrews in 1918. Their marriage was registered in Bucklow, a district which covers Altrincham. If you purchase a copy of their marriage certificate from the General Register Office, it should give you the names of the fathers of the bride and groom.

Looking for the music of the Stockton (later Grangefield) School song “Scholae Stocktonensis Carmen”. Have been advised by Stockton Library to post here. Can anyone help, please? I was at Grangefield 1963-69 but no longer live in the area so can’t search anywhere in person.

Bill – are you the guy who composed string quartets at Grangefield – and after school, walked to Durham Road to catch the bus home? If so, I remember you liked to tell jokes, e.g the tapeworm and the Mars bar!?

Sorry I meant previously called the Stork. If you are looking for an actual nursing home then there was one called The Queens nursing home again on the corner of Bowesfield Lane and Yarm Lane, type Bowesfield Lane into the search box at the top of the page and you can see a photo of it.

My ancestors came to New Zealand in 1873 on the clipper sailing ship the Barque ‘Punjaub’. No photos of this vessel are known to exist – so what I am hoping to do is build a scale model. What I would like to get hold of plans of the ship – if possible. I do not know how to do this, or where I could possibly inquire. So any help at all would be wonderful.

The ship was originally launched from the iron shipbuilding yard of Messrs Richardson, Duck & Co South Stockton about 30th October, 1862 and was registered under entry number 350 on the 10th November, 1862. It’s offical number: 45068. It’s signal letters: VBRL.

Does any one have any info on the existence of a St Jude’s church in Stockton around 1922? was probably in Paradise Row or Portrack Lane IF it existed. I have a story from the Hartlepool Daily mail of a relative marrying bigamously in that church: but I can find no mention of the churches existence.

Derek, the church you are thinking of in Paradise Row was a Methodist Chapel in 1900. Methodist’s do not dedicate their chapels to particular saints like other churches do, By coincidence, in October 1900, that Methodist Chapel had as a visiting preacher a Mr W H Jude! But I do not think that there was a church in Stockton dedicated to St Jude.

Hi Derek – I don’t know of a ‘St Jude’s but there was a St John’s in Alma Street… This is where my grandparents married. Sounds far fetched but someone with a cold could have mispronounced St Jude for St John? It wasn’t on Paradise Row but about 100 yds away, near the station. I suspect bigamy wasn’t uncommon… If people were kept apart during the WW1… out of sight, out of mind? Good luck.

Hey.. So I was in Thornaby the other week and seen the canals never really gave them any thought until that day anyhow what was the purpose of them were they used by the industry that was there Head and Wrightson is it..? And or are they a later addition.. Hope to hear back thanx..

Hi Kenny, The canals were added during the development of Teesdale around 1990. If you search for “Aerial View of Teesdale” on here, you will see the site before the building started, with no canals in sight.

Does anybody remember the article in The Evening Gazette many years ago about the newspaper seller on Billingham Green seeing an ‘apparition’ in St. Cuthberts graveyard?. I often wonder if anybody else has seen it.

Hello, does anybody know information about the Butler family who I believe lived/live in Portrack. Also information about Catherine Jennings mother of Stanley (Laurence) Jennings. I’d love to learn more about my family history and I thought this would be helpful, thanks,
Alfie.

Hi Alfie,
If you have birth death or marriage dates/places for Catherine I can try to look it up for you. Might help if you know her maiden name.
The Butler family took up about 25% of Thornaby in the mid 1880’s for a while. I am connect to both families but I need a clue-name date etc

Hi, I’m looking for any old pictures of my grandparents bungalow, it was called Scotstown and was 92 South Road, Norton. My grandad got the bungalow built for my gran and their 2 daughters about 1954, the surrounding land was their small holding / market garden, any pictures would be a great help to my mam as she has dementia and always longs to go home. Also any pictures of Freddie Fernie who was my grandads best friend, he sold flowers on Stockton market.

I would guess that the photo was taken half-way along Nelson Avenue. You can see the streets of Haverton Hill laid out on the following map of 1938.https://maps.nls.uk/view/101100509
The streets have long been demolished but you can make out where they were by using Google Earth.

Hi I was just wondering if there is a source in the library where you can find burial plot no’s as I have been asking the Stockton Register office website (who are very useful) but I need a few and they charge for looking so I want to be able to gather the info myself. I am also looking for a business name as a relative was a restaurant keeper in 1911 on Mandale Road, Thornaby
Paul

I have previously phoned the cemeteries department of Stockton Council and a very helpful gentleman has looked in the records for burial plots. You need the approximate date of burial and cemetery name. It might be worth trying.

The Reference Library also holds a 1910/1911 Ward’s Directory, which covers Thornaby, on microfilm. Although it is not necessary to book a microfilm reader we advise that you do so in order to avoid a wasted journey. Bookings can be made by contacting us on 01642 528079 or at reference.library@stockton.gov.uk. Alternatively if you could contact us with the name of your relative then we could have a look for you.

I hope that this information is of some assistance to you.
Kind regards,
Hannah

Hiya I’m looking for a Gazette picture unsure of the year think it’s July-August 77/78. I’m stood in front of Salters Lane Community Centre in a striped rugby top. We had sent a letter to get a new centre as our roof had blown off

The Evening Gazette is held on microfilm in Stockton Reference Library. Although it is not necessary to book a microfilm reader we advise that you do so in order to avoid a wasted journey. Bookings can be made by contacting us on 01642 528079 or at reference.library@stockton.gov.uk.

Alternatively if you are unable to visit the library we can conduct 30 minutes of free research on your behalf. If we were unable to find the picture within that time we can continue to search the newspaper at a cost of £12.50 per 30 minutes.

Looking to find out about my grandmother Lillian Welch, she had a sister Annie. They lived in Stockton-on-Tees. My grandmother left left for the States around the 1920’s. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.

In the 80’s I went to Ragworth Junior School I was in the school choir and went to competitions one was at Blackpool we sang in the Winter Gardens and won. Do you have a picture of the choir? I remember we were on the news and in the paper but can’t find anything. Our music teacher was Mrs Crowshaw. Thank you for reading hope to hear back. I would love to find this picture again as its a special piece of my childhood. Thank you again, Sally.

I’m trying to find my Grandfathers war service record but without knowing what regiment etc he was in I’m struggling. Does anyone know which regiment those called up in 1939-1941 from Stockton were sent to please?

Men called up in 1938-39 were mainly Territorials plus Reservists so were called up in what ever regiment or Corps they were in at the time.
Norton were Artillery Batteries though there would also be RASC transport, RAOC supplies plus some who would be Durham Light Infantry.
Thousands were called to the colours and many not to the Regiments or Corps they were assigned to as Troops were mustered for France, the Middle East and other parts of the then Empire.
The phoney war until April 1940 when the Blitzkrieg started meant many men were relocated and many Tradesmen were sent back home as Steelworkers Shipbuilders and other trades found their men had gone leaving them unable to continue the work required providing war supplies.
I knew of men brought back from the forces then sent to Gibraltar, Malta and Egypt to repair ships as the Mediterranean and Suez Canal were kept open, it was a world war from day one.
After Dunquehk the evacuation not forgetting as many men were evacuated from Normandy, Brest, and other French Ports often with huge losses the forces were on their knees, men were called up and sent where needed.
Italy and Japan entered the war Italy 1940, Japan December 1941, meaning forces were scattered around the world, men would be posted from one Regiment to make up the numbers in another.
Without the Regimental number or the Unit finding your Grandfathers Unit is almost impossible. Are there any pictures showing badges or even where he was posted and a date that would help.
Frank.

Sometimes people went into regiment that was related to their employment. My father was in the Territorials serving in REME, because he worked for the local railway company LNER. So when the war started and the Territorials were called up first, he was serving in France in REME.

Cliff, REME was only formed in 1942 from the RE, RASC, RAOC and from Regimental Driver Mechanics. Most railway men went into the Royal Engineers (RE) and the main training area was Longmoor Bordon Hampshire, I was there for a couple of weeks and got to drive engines around the miles of track they trained on.
REME came into being on October 1st 1942 to try and bring some organisation into maintenance and recovery of Armour damaged or broken down on the battlefield and proved successful in the try out at El Alamein where the number of tanks damaged or broken down was in the hundreds and most were recovered and sent back into battle. The German Army had taught the British that holding the battlefield when the armour retired to arm up and refuel worked, they had fewer tanks than us though they could field those same tanks next day plus some of our own being used against us.
I was DLI and transferred without consultation to REME, kicking and screaming as I loved the DLI. By then it was fully formed with its own CREME, (Commander REME). after training I was posted to the Middle East 662 Armoured Troops Workshops with 4th RTR, three deserts later and a spell in Cyprus saw me in Germany as front line REME alway having to hold the battlefield and recover what we could, repair it and get it back in action. (Cold war seemed hot to us) The REME motto being “Arte Et Marte” BY Skill and by Fighting.
We we’re always told it meant Skilled Engineer first, Soldier Always, that is the way it still is as the Army went to Iraq and Afghanistan plus everywhere in the world Soldiers serve, there will always be some REME there.
I went up through the ranks to ASM, (WO1) Artificer Sergeant Major always with forward field workshops looking after armour, our one reason for being to keep the Armour Rolling. Wars are won by those you never hear about.
Frank.

Frank, thank you very much for that brief history of REME. That will come in very useful when I start work on my Dad’s biography. I have photos of him under canvas when in the Territorials, so that location in Hampshire is probably where his outfit was camped. Like most Territorials he did it for the extra money he was paid, never expecting that he would ever have to go to war!

Cliff, you can also write the Royal Engineers were also a fighting Regiment. I was with the Armoured Engineers in Germany, they went forward and put the bridges across rivers or ferried us over on motorised rafts.
In the Middle East when we saw IED’s (nothing new about them) we called in the engineers to defuse it, they also lifted the minefields, much like us with Armour hang on to your hats men.
I cannot confirm it but think Royal Engineers Longmoor Hampshire is now more of a Museum and still have miles of lines, they had everything from trench trains WW1 to modern Diesels, it could be worth looking it up and paying a visit.
Frank.

Frank thank you for your answer that has answered my own question relating to my father who was in the local unit as a Territorial or as a militiaman.
He always wore a DLI badge on his blazer of which he was immensely proud but had gone to War as RASC to guard the internees on the Isle of Man then too the 8th Army in N Africa subsequently Italy.
However I still don’t know what happened to my Uncle George who was in the Unit with my father.Their eldest brother Charlie Helyer whose son played for Stockton, was an ex East Yorks Regular who spent 7 years in UK in the 20’s being kept in Aldershot to represent the Regt in sport and as a machine gunner;
He was not allowed to rejoin the Colours due to working in the “steel” and so I was wondering if George served or if he was also involved in a reserved occupation, though his own son now in OZ served in the RN, after the War his grandfathers Service in WW1.
So I am wondering if anyone should they have memories of the unit would know of my father and Uncle but more importantly have photos.
I am ex RAMC and wonder what was the size of the medical section? was this part of the Unit which I believe was searchlight and stayed in UK till after D-Day or were they odds and sods called up to elsewhere
Thank you for any help you can afford me

My father Bill Evans was called up in 1939 as a territorial and posted to Malton Yorkshire with the Durham Light Infantry. He was transferred to Derby about 1942 and became a staff sergeant in the REME until the end of the war. I have the 1st REME Christmas Card 1942.

There are a number of references to members of the Schumm family in the pages of The Daily Gazette, which covered Stockton and Middlesbrough in the late 1800s. It may be available via your local library if it subscribes to one of the digitised newspaper websites. The only reference to Christian Schumm was in the paper for 8 February 1878. A report covered cases heard at the Middlesbrough Police Court. One of these cases involved 6 boys who had stolen articles of meat from Christian Schumm, a pork butcher in West Street.
It looks as if his relatives were also in the butchery trade as there were articles mentioning the butchers George Schumm of Cannon Street, and a Henry Schumm in Newport Road. On 28 April 1896, the newspaper announced the death of Eberhard Schumm aged 80 in Wurtemberg, Germany. Presumably he was connected to the local Schumm families on Teesside.

Hello All. My name is Barry Cox son of Brian and Marlene Cox who lived in Alexandra Street, Oxbridge, Stockton from about 1960 to 1970. I’m trying to find information from My dads side of the family. On my dads birth certificate he is registered as John Brian Cox born 2 Dec 1934. I am led to believe his dad was also Brian Cox who married Doris Batey. I think Brian must have died because Doris (Dolly) re-married a man called Ernest Cuthbert. I am led to believe that Doris and Brian also lived in Oxbridge in one of the streets off Light Pipe Hall Road?
I now live in Spain but have many fond memories of Alexandra Street. If anyone can shed any light on my dads first father it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Hello Barry, here is some information about your grandfather. He was born on 21 August 1903 and named John Cox. In the summer of 1930 he married Doris Batey (b.18 Oct. 1910). Their first child, Margaret was born 19 June 1930. Your father, John Brian Cox was born 2 December 1934. In 1939, the family was living at 9 Hamilton Street, Thornaby, with the father, John Cox being employed as a brewery labourer. John Cox’s death was registered in March 1940, he was only 36 years old. His death cannot have been due to WW II as the first bombs did not fall on Stockton until June 1940. In the summer of 1945, Doris Cox married Ernest Cuthbert.

Hi. Can anyone help me find anyone who knew the Bulmer family. My father William was born in 1928 address of birth is 5 Carpenter Square. He had brothers and sisters Bobby, Louisa, Edward,Emily. Violet. My father left Stockton aged 14 came South and raised me and my two brothers in London. I used to visit as a child and have now reconnected with my cousins. Hope someone remembers them.

I was so impressed with your help regarding the Bulmer family and helping with my father. I have been searching since for details regarding my Uncle Edward Bulmer and his wife Sheila passed the cencus of 1939. He wasn’t married at the tme of that cencus (he was born in 1925) but I would like to know where he ended up living when he got married. I have been told that they lived at 60 Ashfield Ave around 1955.56 & 57. I have been unable to find any electoral list for that time.

Carol Bulmer lives in Thornaby. Everybody in Thornaby knows Carol. Her husband Lol Bulmer died about 18 years ago he was Manager at the Lamp Post Factory in Thornaby called Pette Jeans a french company

I do not have a photograph of Corby Lodge Junction Road Norton. I do however know the Armitage family well since 1937-38. At that time the family lived on the corner of Junction Road and Grantham Road. I used to play with John.Jean and Audrey Armitage before the second world war started.
In those days Mrs. Edith Armitage was a qualified doctor and indeed was our family doctor. It was very rare at this time to have a lady doctor. Her husband C.V. Armitage was an LDS, RCS Dental Surgeon on Norton Road. They employed a cook, maid, nursemaid (Charlotte), handyman (William) who looked after Mr. Armitage’s 1937/38 Jaguar car. This particular house caught fire and was very severely damaged. This was repaired and the family were still living in it when my Mother and I evacuated from Grantham Road in 1939. When we returned to Norton in 1943 I feel sure the Armitages were still living in this house. Sometime during the war and after Anthony Armitage was born they moved into Tyson Hodgson’s house on Junction Road next to Newstead Farm. I cannot remember if it was called Corby Lodge when Tyson Hodgson had the house but I too remember it was Corby Lodge which became the home of the Armitage family. Indeed my wife and I visited Dr. Edith Armitage at Corby Lodge who was by then a widow in the 70’s. None of the massive redevelopment building had been started at that time. However, Newstead Farm and Corby Lodge became Contisbury Road etc. If you look up my references in Pictures Stockton you will see I served my apprenticeship with Mr. C.V. Armitage who was one of the first dental surgeons to become an FDS, RCS. His private dental practice, even prior to the NHS, was considerable as he was also the dental surgeon for ICI Billingham. He employed 3 dental mechanics and 2 apprentices. I left there in 1951 to take up employment at Leeds Dental School and Hospital where I became Senior Instructor in Prosthetic Dentistry. That title meant any replacement to the head.
J. Norman Kidd

Sorry that I do not have a picture that you are seeking. I had a photograph at one time of my sister and I standing in the the driveway of the their home. I can’t remember if it was Corby Lodge though. It most likely was taken in 1944 when I was sixteen. I will try to contact my niece, who resides in England, to see if she may have a copy in her late Mother’s photographs. How lovely it was to read about the Armitage family in your post. I knew Charlotte, the children’s nursemaid, from when I was a child. Her family lived next door to my family in Greta Road in Norton and she would often bring the children to visit her parents, so I also got to play and visit with them.

Dear Dorothy,
I hope this is not too late to contact you but I have just read your Comment in Pictures Stockton 27th Sept.2020.

I see your surname is Marquiz, did they name one of the new roads after your family name? I seem to think I have read it somewhere.
As I stated I new the Armitage family well and Charlotte who looked after John who was my friend in 1938-40 and Jean and Audry. We used to play in their garden and the air raid shelter in those days.
I am sad that I have lost touch with them all, I never new Anthony as he was a late arrival, although I think I did meet him when he was working at Harrods briefly.
Norton was a great village to live in and like salmon I have to go back and look around my early life area. The property is still in excellent shape but such a lot of new building. When you lived in Greta Road id you ever get you milk from Tunstalls Farm? if you did I may have delivered you milk! I used to love helping on the farm and helped many times at the weekend, Mr Tunstall used to give me 2/6 for helping and very often lunch.
I send my good wishes to you and hope this finds you in Good Health.
J.Norman Kidd.

Hi Ian,
We believe the Bridge may have been named after George Fossick, he was an engineer who co-founded Fossick and Hackworth the engineering firm based on Norton road in 1839.
The bridge was built in in 1833 then closed and embanked in 2005.
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Adele

My Great Grandfather, George Fletcher (1835 – 1904) is listed as an Architect & Builder in Trades Directories, with premises on Prince Regent Street. I was told that he built many houses on Yarm Road and the surrounding streets in Eaglescliffe. Does anyone know how I can find out more detail about his business undertakings?

Paul, you will find various references to George Fletcher in the “Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough” as it also covered news from Stockton on Tees. The paper has been digitised and is amongst those available on-line from British Library Newspapers. Check with your local library about access to this site at http://www.stockton.gov.uk/libraries. I am able to access the site from home via my local library card, but this depends upon your library service.

I’m researching the Cuthbert family, most of who were from Stockton, although the head of the family was born in Yorkshire. The 1881 census shows that the family (David, Elizabeth and their children George, Lizzie and Louisa) were grocers, which I assume to be a family business set up by themselves. The address given in the census is “22 Smithfield, Stockton” but I cannot seem to find it anywhere. I’m hoping to find pictures or more details of the family business (and of course any information about the family themselves).

Hi Megan, Smithfield was one of the streets that was demolished in the Housewife Lane Improvement Scheme in the 1920s. Go to the following maphttps://maps.nls.uk/view/102341737
Zoom into Stockton High Street. Go to the Parish Church, to the right of the church lay the cattle market. There is an “L” shaped street running off the right hand side of the cattle market, if you follow that street down towards the river you will see that it is named “Smithfield”.

My Great Grandparents had a shoe shop in Stockton-on-Tees he was John Tilley Oram and married Mary Digby they had 6 children my Grandmother was Annie Jane Oram born 1877. My Great great Grandfather was John Oram he was a captain of a ship? John Tilley Oram was born in Northamptonshire. Has any old photos of the shop or information please

Valerie, the 1881 Census shows John T Oram working in Rothwell, the town in which he lived and worked for most of his life. He was only in Stockton-on-Tees for a few years in the late 1870s. He may have had his own shop, or he may have been working for somebody else. You might find the answer to your search by buying a copy of Harriet’s birth certificate from 1879. You can obtain this from the Registration Office in Stockton. Good Luck.

A long shot indeed!!! Any one out there related to Hughs’s who lived in Danby Road, Biddy & William Hughs, Biddy if my right was Sullivan before she married William, they moved like many others from old Stockton area’s Houswife lane, Thistlegreen, Snowdons yard, and were moved into Swainby & Danby road, two of Biddy’s sons Jacky & Billy I knew very well, they were mates of my father Robert Casey, Billy I beleive was a merchant seaman during the war as my late father Robert was also. My reason for wanting to contact any relatives of Biddy is she had a brother Pat Sullivan, he lived in Housewife lane just a few doors away from my grandad Robert Casey, Pat and Robert joined the Kings Own Scottish Borderes together 1912, I never knew untill Danby &Swainby were demolished that Biddy had on her living room wall a photo of Pat & Robert in thier K.O.S.B uniforms, I’m hoping that when the house in Danby road was demolished some one would have taken the old photo to look after and cherish.
My hope is that if this old photo has survived would you let me pay for a copy, I never got to see my grandad Robert Casey, he died 1939, no photo that I know of ever came down through my Casey family.
A long shot or a miricle needed but got to try.
All the very best to all.
Derek

Hi, does anyone have any photographs of Hamilton Street, Thornaby? I was born at number 4 in 1958. I have searched archives etc, but none exist. Did your family live there? Do you have any family shots in the street? I would be very grateful for any pictures. Many thanks. Robin Hodson

Janice, I suspect that you may not find Barrington Cresent on a map of Stockton.
It is that block of 4 properties, still standing, which lie on the south side of Yarm Lane, between Bowesfield Lane and Laurence Street.

I am researching the loss of the Haverton Hill built ship ‘Svend Foyn’ which foundered after collision with an iceberg off Cape farewell on 21st March !943, on behalf the sister of one of those lost. I noted in your site that the survivors were rescued by USCGC ‘Algonquin’ (WPG75) and that one of them wrote a report of the rescue.

Can anyone point me to that report please? I have contacted USCG Museum and Veterans, but no response.

Hi I have been tracing the Di Duca family who were ice cream manufacturers or vendors in the Stockton area. Does anyone know anything about this family, have photos or any information that I can pass to my daughter in laws family who descend from the Di Duca’s

Sally, the 1911 Census shows Gussippe Di Duca as an ice cream dealer in West Hartlepool. But he and his wife, Marta, had lived in Stockton for several years around 1905, as two of their children (Maria and Giovanni) had been born in Stockton. At Hartlepool, Gussippe’s brothers Marco (27), Domenic (23) and Luigi (18) were living with the family and helping in the family ice cream business.

Hello, I am interested in Fishburn as I believe I have family connections to this county, I am looking for anyone who knew or knows of a Miss Winnerfred Coates from Fishburn Terrace I can go back as early 1940s.
I would be highly delighted for the tiniest of information yours sincerely
Angela smith

Angela, in 1939 Winifred Coates was living with her parents William (b.1882) and Sarah (b,1885) at 4 Fishburn Terrace. Wm. Coates and Sarah A Wren had married in 1903 and had had a large family. But by 1939, only Norman (b.1920), Winifred (b.1922) and Joyce (b.1926) were living at home. Winifred married John A Wilkinson in late 1948. Hope this helps.

This maybe a long shot but I could do with a bit of help putting a name to a face. My father worked at Thornaby Steam Shed between 1960-1963 and he knew a fellow Locomotive Cleaner but tragically one of his fellow friends passed away around 1962 from a tragic motorcycle accident. I do have a picture available if you have any ideas.
Thank You.

I am in the process of finishing up a book of memoirs called A Stockton Childhood by the late Juliet O’Connor who was Juliet Wood when she attended Grangefield Grammar in the late 1950s early 1960s. Does she appear in any of the class photos on this site? Would be great to include one in the book!

Does anyone have any archive video clips of a race or races at the old Teesside Park/Stockton racecourse perhaps from the 1970s. I have seen Rag trade winning there on the ITV vault but that was last fence and run in only and I would like if possible to see a whole race. Any possible sources would be much appreciated.

I have a DVD copy of a Tyne Tees Television film that traces the journey of the River Tees from its headwaters to the sea, part of the film was shot at Stockton Racecourse, there are some interesting shots of the crowds, bookmakers and parts of races, the film was made in about 1962, it can be viewed on the BFI website or I can extract parts of it for you, if you are interested then contact me at billinghamlad@gmail.com

This is a query of last resort! It would appear that all records of who lived where in old Thornaby were kept by nobody on local or area councils in the years 1901 to 1920ish. I have been trying for several years to find who lived at or owned this address. Before I finally surrender does anyone have a sliver of information which may help please?

According to Wards Directory for 1921-22 3 St Pauls Road was occupied by W Sunley Joiner. He was still there in the 1939 Census John W Sunley, single born in July 1878. Also at that address Ada Fuszard and Edward W Fuszard. At this time his occupation is Air Raid Shelter Labourer. Ada Fuszard was an “Unpaid Domestic Servant” while her son (?) Edward is an “Apprentice Metal Worker”

Hi Albert and Cliff,
Thanks for your good work. Sad to say that you have both brought me to the place when I asked the question. I owe you both an explanation.
The W. (Wallace) Sunley was my great grandfather. His second daughter was Ada b.1875 in Guisborough. She doesn’t appear on 1901 census but was in York in 1911.
Edward F.Fuszard was born St Helier. 1901 census saw in in Ripon in digs as a journeyman bread baker. He is not on any 1911 census.
The pair of them married in the Peel Street Primitive Methodist Church in Thornaby in 1917 from a residence of 3, St Pauls Road. Edward died in 1923 having had only one child.
My grandmothers & uncles & aunts are all within a few streets and all traceable except Ada and Edward from 1901 to 1917 (their wed). Cliff mentioned the annual register of electors: unfortunately they don’t exist for the period. I tried Durham, Stockton, Tees-side and Guisborough some years ago: somehow while the responsibility for Thornaby was passed around the records appear to have been binned.
To make things even odder. I tried attacking it from a religious viewpoint – searching all Methodist records. I had been told by two contemporary people and one direct next generation of Edward , that he was a Methodist lay Preacher. Not only is there no mention of him in Methodist records but curiously, the Preacher who married then was not a Rev! The preacher who married them was in place from 1911 to 1920/21.
So I do believe I am stuck. What attracted then both to Thornaby sometime between 1912 and 1916ish I may never know.

Thanks for trying to help. This hobby sure does help to keep some grey cells moving!

There is no entry in the 1901 Census for St Pauls Road, so I don’t think it had been built. But there is an entry for the 1911 Census. It was the home of Joseph (35) and Mary Ellen (34) Davies and their family. He was a Mill Loader at a local Ironworks.
If you want information from later years, I suggest that you look up the names of the householders in the annual register of electors. Copies may be held at Stockton Local History Library.

My Grandmothers brother was Zachariah Hick born 1891 died 1955 he lived at 19 Longley Street, Stockton-on-Tees. When he died his brother took his hand cart? Is there any pictures of fish sellers carts it would be interesting to see.

Hi, this is a very big long shot but here goes…. I am looking for any information and possible pictures of Katherine (kitty) Blyth nee turner. Kitty was born in 1909 in Stockton, she was injured in a bombing raid in 1942 in Norton. She was cut from the rubble but later died from gangrene, would there be any news paper articles or anywhere I could look for info or pictures?

Angela, in the 1939 register of residents, Kate Blyth is recorded as living at 44 Ancaster Road, Norton, with her family, including 7 year old Dennis. She was laid to rest as Kitty Blyth in Durham Road Cemetery, Stockton.

Hi Angela,
Thank you for your enquiry.
We hold the Evening Gazette in Stockton Reference Library on microfilm from 1860 onwards. If you would like to view the newspaper you can just pop in, however we do advise booking a microfilm reader to avoid a wasted journey. You can book a reader by contacting us on 01642 528079 or reference.library@stockton.gov.uk.
Kind regards
Adele

Does any one in Thornaby 1937-1950 remember my Uncle Alfred Kidd with his garages at the bottom of Thornaby bank. He was an agent for Morris cars and had about five different petrols for sale from all new pumps?
J.Norman Kidd.

Looking for a map that shows Pigeon Street in Thornaby. It is mentioned in early census records as being in the Trafalgar Street area, but may have had its name changed, as all of the maps I have looked at, at Stockton library don’t show it. My great grandfather was born there shortly after his parents came over from Northern Ireland.

Bob, I have been unable to find Pigeon Street on a map, but the 1861 Census lists houses in “Pigeon St Trafalgar Street”. The first page of District 16 in the 1861 Census, lists the various roads in the enumeration area. The sequence in which those roads are listed reflects their geographical position, working from the south end of Trafalgar Street northwards towards the Ferry. Pigeon Street, appears to have been an extension of Trafalgar Street, and was eventually assimilated into the main thoroughfare.

Does anybody remember the old weigh bridge on Church Road, and was it turned into a toilet in the 60s? There was the Municipal Buildings then a big stretch of green in front and I’m sure a public toilet there that you had to go downstairs to use it.

The situation you describe is, I suspect, as it is now, Before the Municipal Building, Police station and Library were built in their current location the area was occupied by the Stockton cattle market. Regret that I can not be certain but I vaguely recall the toilet being on The Square (where the top of Church Road is now) and the weighbridge is a fairly certainty at a cattle market (I think this may have been on the markets exit on the High Street side.

I know there was a cattle market as described off Church Road where the library now is. The weighbridge (I assume) was so there wouldn’t be a dispute when selling cattle. Old maps show sketches of the green and houses there too. The ‘Cattle Market’ pub still exists opposite the Parish church in Church Road. The cattle auction was still there at least in the 1940’s, possibly 50’s. There may have been an underground toilet there but I can only remember one between the Shambles and the Town Hall in the centre of the High St. It had a thick glass tiled roof to provide natural light but was filled in and replaced with modern facilities several years ago. To be honest it seems a more likely site as market traders and shoppers alike would use it.

Does anybody know the whereabouts of Christine Weims, she was my very first girlfriend, we were both about 7 years old and she left What was then Billingham in Co. Durham to move with her family to another part of the country. I would love to get in touch with her to see how her life has panned out.

I remember watching a meeting on the ICI cricket pitch at Billingham and the athlete I remember was Harry Whittle he was the Captain of the Olympic team at Helsinki. Is there any pictures of this man performing at this event and what year was it taken, it would be the early 1950.

I am trying to find the location of Bath Street, Stockton mentioned on a 1882 birth certificate of the Registration District of Stockton but cannot find it. It may be a Middlesbrough address. Any suggestions? Also was Middlesbrough part of Stockton Registration District in those times?

Peter, Use the following link to look up a map of Stockton from the 1890s.https://maps.nls.uk/view/101100488
You can zoom in and enlarge the map.
Go to the extreme northern end of the HIgh Street.
Look for King Street on the right hand side.
Go along King Street and you will find Bath Street is the 5th road on the left.

Peter, the Ordnance Survey people surveyed this area in 1938 and their subsequent map shows Diamond Road in a half-completed state. But I do not know whether the other half was completed before or after WWII.

I was a young child when Diamond Road was built, and it was in the early 1930s I am now coming up to my 98th year. I was brought up in Thornaby from 3 years old and attended Queen Street school and Arthur Head. I left Thornaby in 1955.

Hi Gilbert,
We hold the Evening Gazette in Stockton Reference Library on microfilm from 1860 onwards. If you would like to view the newspaper you can just pop in, however we do advise booking a microfilm reader to avoid a wasted journey. You can book a reader by contacting us on 01642 528079 or at reference.library@stockton.gov.uk.

Hi Paul,
We hold the Evening Gazette in Stockton Reference Library on microfilm from 1860 onwards. If you would like to view the newspaper you can just pop in, however we do advise booking a microfilm reader to avoid a wasted journey. You can book a reader by contacting us on 01642 528079 or at reference.library@stockton.gov.uk.

If you have a look at this OS map from 1953, https://maps.nls.uk/view/91629708 you will see that the whole area above the Pentland Avenue/ Malvern Road area was farmland, there are a number of buildings on the map with very familiar names, Northfield House, White House, Wolviston Grange, High Grange, Low Grange, Marsh House and Owington Farm.

The dotted area shows the new roads that were to be built around the yet to be built Town Centre, there were houses around the Roseberry Road, Hambleton Square area as well as those to the west of the Billingham Bypass including Queens Drive and Chatsworth Gardens

The first phase of the Low Grange estate was started around about 1955 and was the Knole Road area down towards the railway line, taking in Delaval Road, Gilside Road and Gisburn Road.

Low Grange Avenue was being built when I started at Stephenson Hall School in 1958, my Grandmother was living in a new house in Quenby Road at that time and of course building continued for many years after that date.

My husband was ran over in March 1981 outside billingham South school cos that day there was no lollipop lady. I seem to think it might of been in local paper it was 6th March. He ended up with head injuries and was hospitalised for a number of weeks. His name is Simon Heads would be gratefully appreciated if you could find anything thankyou Denise Heads

Would any of you know anything about Thompson’s Farm near Holme House Prison in Portrack? My dad is talking about an old racecourse he remembers being there and a friend of his finding old coins in the field which he thinks would make it one of the oldest racecourses. I’m at a dead end now, I’ve Googled it and there’s nothing. He said he has seen pictures in the library but my search has produced nothing

Rachel, Stockton has had two racecourses over the last 200 years, But neither location is really close to Holme House, and both sites are now built upon. Is there any chance that you might have heard your Dad talking about the course of the mill race? Billingham Corn Mill, stood in the middle of Billingham Bottoms and was fed by water in a stream called the Mill Race.

Rachel, That farm was called Lambert’s farm in my time although I believe it was a Mr Lumley who farmed it. There was a Green Lane across the farm from Norton to Middlesbrough long before the Newport Bridge was built, people had walked it for many years before I walked it with my Mother after the Bridge was built and opened. Before that ferries would run across the River and some still existed well after the war.
There was a large field near where the Portrack Roundabout is now which had Rocket Batteries in it during the war years, was this used for the odd horse race I do not know, Stockton Race Course being the only one I ever heard of.
We did that walk many times walking over the Newport Bridge then getting the bus to North Ormesby, my Mother was a keen walker.
Sorry I cannot help more.
Frank.

Hi Rachel,
Not surprisingly, the 1860 ‘Old Series@ O.S. map shows the farm where the prison now is to have been ‘Holme Farm’. No race course is shown in the Portrack area on the 1899 /1901 maps. Maps of the 1930’s) showed a sports ground just north of Queensport close in Port track This grew in size to eventually becoming a sports park with running track & gym. It now has a school and a field, The 1860 map I have is 1:50,000 and so small details are missing. BUT. I know from my your in the 1950’s that the small ground still existed and was used as a football ground of some Stockton note. The Portrack Rangers was the local team. More importantly to you perhaps is that the ground was in use in the mid 1800’s as a cricket ground. At least two County Cricket matches were played there. The ‘Cricketers’, the now closed Portrack pub, derives its name from those games.
The only race track in the immediate area was a dog track (closed in the 1950’s I think). This was on the edge of Tilery near the Brown Jug pub.

Darren, there are some of Simpson’s paintings currently for sale on e-bay from an art dealer in Somerset. They had dozens to sell a month ago, and most have been sold, but there are still a few left. But I cannot find anything out about him.

John, the Raglan Terrace entries on the 1911 Census are sandwiched between entries for people living in Stamp Street and Hutchinson Street. So it looks as if Raglan Terrace lay at the western end of Mill Street, or thereabouts. Mr Wliberforce was only a short walk from his job at the gas works, probably crossing Bishopton Road via the pedestrian bridge to the railway station.

Raglan Terrace made up the last five houses on the northern side of Mill Street West, and would of faced onto the steps of the footbridge, that crosses the railway line over to Phoenix Sidings, and railway turntable. It later became No.s 66-68-70-72-74 Mill St. West.

My ancestors Wm Myers Robinson, wife Jane and family are also on the 1891 censuses. They lived in the area at ‘back Stamp st’ which was next to Raglan Terrace. It was also called Railway Cottages so would have been used by railway workers (as my gt grandfather was). It must have been confusing for the postman! Many streets in the area were named after military people or battles – (possibly Lord Raglan). I went to find it about 10 years ago and not surprisingly it’s gone but some has been replaced by modern housing with the same name. Stockton Station is still nearby.

Hi. Pleased you look forward to seeing the pictures. Earlier in the year unfortunately the site had some issues when we were not able to add images. We’ve had less added in the last month due to staffing issues. And you’ll be pleased to hear we haven’t run out of photos yet. We’re also happy to receive them from our viewers too!

I have a picture of a farm house but I’m not sure which one it is, as the Umpleby family had three farms. One being primrose another is California farm I’m not sure what the third one was called.
It has a man and woman out the front of it I’m presume family members. I know this as I’m a descendant of Henry Umpleby

Hi, I’m looking for any one that is connected with a Booth family from Stockton. My gr gr grandad Bryan John Booth was the superintendent of the Stockton Police force. Lived at 5 Palmerston St/Rd. His son William was a blacksmith, my gr grandfather. His only daughter was Catherine Booth, my grandmother, she had 6 brothers. A David Booth has just posted a photo of Stockton High St on here, just curious if there is any connection.

Hi Lynn,
Thank you for your enquiry.
We hold the Evening Gazette in Stockton Reference Library on microfilm from 1860 onwards. If you would like to view the newspaper you can just pop in, however we do advise booking a microfilm reader to avoid a wasted journey. You can book a reader by contacting us on 01642 528079 or reference.library@stockton.gov.uk.

I am originally from Thornaby, now living in Northumberland, and I am in the process of planning a model railway centred around Thornaby Railway Station, the bridges, branch lines etc circa 1960’s, my boyhood era. I’ve looked at many of the pictures in the archive to help me to construct the buildings etc to as close as possible how they looked in the 1960’s. But I would like to know if there is an active archive that can be viewed to search more quickly through pictures i.e. in Stockton library? I visit the area frequently as my immediate family still live in Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick and it would help me tremendously if there were such a viewing point. Kind regards, Neil Llewellyn.

Hello Neil
Thank you for your enquiry.
As far as pictures go, all of our photographs are on Picture Stockton’s website. There is a search facility that should help you find what you want.
The Reference Library does also have a great many books relating to local railways and you are welcome to come and look through these whenever you are in the area.

Hi, I’m hoping you can help. I have an ancestor that was born in Blue Point House, Stockton and when I Google it, it seems to be an individual area, I was wondering what was there in 1871 when he was born, his father is listed as a waterman?! Thanks

Emma, I wonder if you are referring to Blue House Point? Blue House was an isolated farm in the low lying land adjacent to the RIver Tees, several miles to the east of Stockton. The side of the river closest to the farm was known as Blue House Point. You can see the farm on the following map dating from 1856, go tohttps://maps.nls.uk/view/102341746 and zoom in on the lower left hand corner of the map.
To see what the location looked like 40 years later go tohttps://maps.nls.uk/view/101100524

Look at the Stockton 1899 Maps, Lawson Street is off Yarm Lane. It was a long street from Dovecote Street to Yarm lane. All that is left after being flattened then rebuilt on is the Medical Centre and the Chapel on the corner of Lawson Street and Yarm Lane. Hope this helps
Frank

Yes Chris, I remember it quite well. It was a terrible crash, and if I remember right there were some deaths and a lot injured. I think the top deck of the bus was sliced off by some sort of construction vehicle. We have the Evening Gazette on microfilm here in the Reference Library if you are interested enough to come and look through it.

Hello and sorry for the late reply. I worked for Cleveland transit at the time and remember the accident well. I believe it was late 73 and was due to a crane being left on the roundabout with the end of its jib overhanging the road during A19 construction. The 41/42 service from Middlesbrough to Billingham unfortunately collided with the jib which was not visible in this peak time november (I believe) tragedy
Thanks. Ivor

Yes my late father was in it, it was a Beeline bus taking ship yard workers to Haverton Hill and onto Smiths dock, South Bank, some of the men were to go onwards to start fitting out ships for the Falklands, the bus over turned and I believe two killed. ICI teams on scene first, cops in my opinion were disorganized. We lived on Winterbottom Ave, Hartlepool, my mother saw police come to a house over the road mid morning and her husband soon after, it wasn’t until around the time my father was due home the woman over the road told her what had happened, soon after that I arrived home. At that time I was in the RAF on X1 sqn RAF Binbrook, I saw the crash on the lunch time news, I told my boss and he said contact the police, the police said no not involved, so I contacted North Tees Hospital and they said yes he was there but gave no details. I went off to the boss with the info, Pete my boss said see if the RAF will get you home, na big joke, no help at all, so bag on my back and on foot with my thumb out, first bit of luck when a taxi driver stopped and told him my story, get in I will get you sorted, he was heading back to Scunthorpe, my head was spinning. Sorry for long story, so the taxi driver drops me at Brigg M18 and said wait there someone will come, I didn’t know he had a CB, a HGV stops, ‘you Paul? get in I will drop you on the M62 A1 and someone will be waiting’. Thanks to so many HGV drivers and the taxi driver I was home just after my mother had got the news, no thanks to the police or the RAF, oh you may say why knock the cops, my father carried five types of ID including a driving licence he had done many jobs time served as a shipwright, officer onboard ship [joined the company he launched a ship for] and after coming out of the Merchant Navy could not get a decent job and became a copper until he could get back to shipbuilding in 1970s, there was no excuse for police for not informing my mother of the accident, my father was critical, had a heart attack pulling one of the lads out of the wreck. Unfortunately not the end of the story. I got a visitor at the door it was my fathers GP, he informed me I had been posted AWOL, nice. I went back on the Monday and told by the engineering office you’re on a charge, ‘ok’ I said my old mans solicitor wants all the details, hour later I was told the charges had been dropped. The police were still insisting my father was not involved in the accident, what gets me is the police got his name wrong, but not the address so what stopped them from informing my mother. My father was not able to work again due to his condition after the crash, this was due to damage to the area around his hips, my father Vic died of cancer four years ago in Sunderland he missed his job, his work mates and the amazing ships he had helped to build on the Tyne, Wear and Tees.

Hello I sat at the back of the bus next to your Dad Vic what a great guy he was. I was 22 when this happened, it cost me 3 years of my working life. They got my details wrong but luckily mam and dad were informed. It’s 36 years tomorrow but I remember it like it was yesterday. I would really like to get hold of the picture on the front of the Mail, Gazette or Echo but I’m not having any luck. So if anyone knows where I can get one then please email me at thomas_kirkland_1976@hotmail.

I was born at 30, Lawson Street on 5th January 1953 and I am trying to figure out how and why?
All I know is my mother was travelling down from Scotland, having visited my father who was stationed there and she went into labour prematurely on the train. Somehow she ended up at the above address. I’ve always assumed she was taken in by a kindly resident but sadly she is no longer alive so I can’t ask her. I wonder if any of your viewers would have any information?
Her name was Jean, 23 years old, and she would have been heavily pregnant and travelling with a 3 year old called Russell.

Reg, according to the old electoral registers held in Stockton library in the years 1952/1953/1954 30 Lawson street was occupied by Clifford Hunter, in the same years number 31 Lawson street was occupied by Ivy and WIlliam Fenwick. In a register dated 1938 the Kings Head public house was stated as being No 31, I mention this as when I heard you on the radio you mentioned being born in this pub. Is there a possible connection with the above named people and your parents?

My Mother Margaret White lived at Port Clarence in Church Street with her parents Frederick and Nora White. The family left the area in 1933. I would live to see a picture of Church Street which I understand is no longer there. If anyone can oblige, please let me know.

Does anyone have any pictures of film of Thornaby Steam Locomotive Depot from 1960 to 1964?
My father was a Cleaner and a Fireman there and I’m wondering if anyone has pictures or film of any staff who worked three during that period or does anyone know Des Fernihough?

Liz, presumably you know your aunt’s name, and approximately when she died?
If so, then visit the website of the Stockton-on-Tees Registry Office athttps://www.stockton.gov.uk/register-office
Enter your aunt’s details and search for her burial. The results will show if she was buried in the Oxbridge Lane Cemetery, the nearest one to Hartburn.

Hello
Does anyone remember my father Joseph Clifford Trotter Fellowes (known as Cliff) who was born in September 1919 and lived at 84 High Street Norton with William Jesse Fellowes, Elizabeth Mary Adeline Fellowes (nee Trotter) and George Robinson Fellowes. My dad died in 1984 having emigrated to Southern Rhodesia in 1956. I would love to learn more about his early life in Norton and about his relatives – I believe the Trotter family was quite large!
Thanks

I would be most grateful if you had any images of 43 Norton High Street when it belonged to my grandparents and would have traded under C C Kay, fishmongers, although they had other shops in Stockton and I think Northallerton and my grandmother always referred to them as Fish Game and Poultry Merchants.
Kindest regards

Hello Mr Wallis my name is David Jones my father Ernest or Ernie as he was know used to be transport manager for Issac Robsons on Bridge Road which is now sankey home improvements and they got all their wagons from Bob in the 1960s all part of my childhood. I miss it we were in Bickersteth Street at the time just thought I would reply about Bob Alexanders sorry to bother you I now live in Essex.

Can anyone tell me what became of R. Durham haulage, also F&F Robinson and lastly Peacock Haulage. Durhams lived in Portrack, I think, Robinsons were on Yarm Road and I don’t know where Peacocks were, but they had a fleet of mainlt Mk.14 Seddons. Over to you, chaps.

Bob Durham is a Haverton Hill lad, I have a school photo of his class in my collection, in common with many hauliers he started with either a horse and cart or a handcart, his last depot was on the Cowpen Trading Estate, Bob lived on Darlington Back Lane just round the corner from the Mitre pub, and one of his sons lived in Leven Road in Yarm, when I was working as an auto electrician I used to meet up with his electrician at the trade shows organised by the Lucas company.

I believe Durhams were taken over by a larger company but I don’t know which.

A friend of mine, Reg Peachy, drove a Mk11 Atkinson for Durhams and the noise from the engine affected his hearing so badly he was almost totally deaf, the rattling from the wood framed doors was almost as noisy as the engine, they were in fact a terrible thing to drive.

I remember seeing F&F Robinsons vehicles around the area but I know nothing of Peacocks but I do remember the Seddon trucks as I have repaired many of them in my time, I had twenty tears of working on commercial vehicles and covered just about every make, from a 1930s Crossley up to the Dafs, Volvos, Scanias etc. of the 1980s, an extremely interesting time, I had to give it up as working outside in the winter was taking its toll, my wife remembers me coming home after a particularly arduous day rewiring a Poclain digger in freezing conditions on the Redcar steel site and saying “This is a young mans game”.

F&F Robinsons depot was at the top of Church Rd Stockton. It was young Bobby Durham who lived on Darlington Back Lane he lived in the big house behind.
The Mitre Hotel called (Bishopgarth House) very nice person

Henry peacock is as far as I know is still on the road more likely his Grandsons, they have a place on the Bishopton back lane and I have often seen two or three trucks there. He started on Portrack Lane long before the war when there were quite a few Haulage Contractors with their own trucks my Father being one of them and another Stan Grey. Billy and Tommy Pollard drove for Henry and they were all friends helping each other load or unload while they waited.
Bob Durham was a late comer who was a coal merchant with a horse and cart living in Haverton Hill I went to the house a couple of times, Dad had his first truck in 1931-2 as did Stan Grey, Robinsons and Peacocks, Bob Durham got a truck in the run up to the war and Billy Barnes was his first driver.
The war made many of them as they were all employed moving material to build Roads Aerodromes and Barracks, I still have visions of the truck being winched up Burk Brow by the Steam Roller tipping the Tar-Mac and then back down I used to get out and walk. One big contract was steam coal, nearly every Factory in the area had coal fired boilers that worked the belt driven machines. We took loads to Brompton Cotton Mill, Vom Pie Factory at Leeming Bar and many of the local Works.
Bob had a name as a hard man you had to be to rise from a horse and cart to millionaire but he was a Gentleman who kept his word as he did with my Father. Once on leave I was in the Garage when Gordon said come on I will give you a driving test, we jumped in a short wheel base Bedford and off we went, getting back he told his Dad I was not bad so Bob said are you driving in the Army? “Err yes” Scammels Leyland six wheelers, American Mack tank transporters and Diamond “T’s” do you want a job he asked.
Frank.

Thanks for the info on Peacocks. The reason I asked was about 60 years ago a friend and I were going to cycle down to Sheffield but I bust the gears on my bike and had to put it in single freewheel which would have made things difficult. So my dad Bill Russell was foreman of the fettling yard at Davy & United at Haverton and he fixed us up with a lift, bikes included, to Davies at their Darnal works in Attercliffe Road, and then a return ride back a week later. The return trip was quite an event as the truck was empty and it simply flew back. I was about 15 years old at the time and was well impressed. Thanks again.

It was Freeman Volkers and Stuart wagon depot at Church Road, Prestons transport F and F Robinson was on Yarm Road next to the A66 roundabout. Fred lived on Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe near the golf course.

Jacqui would that be the daughter who married one of the Fletchers from Beaconsfield Street, I saw the report and wondered if it was. I remember her as a typical teenager full of fun.
Your Granddad was a man who called a spade a spade but our family knew him as an upright man who kept his word.
His first Driver was Wilf Barnes but we all called him Billy.
Frank.

Peacocks moved from Portrack Lane to Redland tiles at Blakeston Lane in the 70’s I worked for Redland tiles and Peacocks as a fitter. Peacocks closed in the 90’s. There is a small estate built there now where Ossey woods is at the end of Roseworth est.

Hello Albert, I hope that the following information may be of interest to you.
The Stockton workhouse contained a hospital, which provided maternity services. So it is quite possible that your grandmother had a short stay in that hospital part of the workhouse whilst she gave birth to your mother. The fact that she was born in the workhouse does not mean that the Elsworth family was penniless.
The birth registration records show that your grandmother’s maiden name was Watts. A search for children born in Stockton to Elmsworth and Watts in the 1930s shows the following births –
Florence May Elsworth 1930
Florence May Elsworth 1932
Robert W Elsworth 1934
George H Elsworth 1937
I have not been able to find a registered marriage for Elsworth and Watts.
Giving the two girls the same name suggests that the one born in 1930 had died in infancy.

Apologies. The nursery in Yarm was owned by Leonard Finch that my father worked at during the 1950’s. Does anybody have any information about the family. They also had several flower and vegetable shops in Stockton and surrounding towns. Does anyone remember the nursery in egglescliffe?

Hi can anyone help? I am looking for a Maureen Dyer (maiden name), don’t know whether married or not, her mam was Elsie, nee Scholes, then Coates. Had a brother named Norman who is now deceased. I am looking for some photos of when I was small, and hoping Maureen could help. I am distantly related. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Ange.

Does anyone remember a nursery owned or run by the Flintoff family in Yarm area during the 1950’s. Are any of the family still around? My father would like to contact them as he was a former employee during the 50’s.

Does anyone have any information on the Haverton Hill Cricket Club. They appear to have won the Cleveland Cup twice around the early 1900’s. I have a photo showing my great grandfather and great uncle with the cup – both called William Sidgwick.
An interesting fact re formation of League as my Great Grandfather William Sidgwick was born in Hutton Rugby and the house he lived in in Haverton Hill he called Hutton House.
My suspicion re Haverton Cricket Club was that it may have merged with Cowpen Bewley but this based on no facts. I would welcome any information.

Hi everyone, I’m trying to find out any information no matter how small about my dad. His name was Geoffrey Bullock and he passed away in September 1964. I believe he was in an orphanage when he was younger. He had a sister called Mablethorpe whose married name was Boughren from Billingham I think. My dad was in the Navy at some point. He worked at the ICI and we lived at 40 Scanbeck Drive in Marske. Although I was 8yrs old when he took his life I have no memory of him at all. It would be amazing if anyone knew or remembered him. I have also tried to find his obituary on line to no avail. Thank you for taking time to read this.

This question may not qualify for Stockton Pictures as it concerns Malcolm Cambells Bluebird being on show at the Park on Linthorpe Road or a garage near the Park. My father took me to see it as a little boy. I have never forgotten going and the thrill of standing looking into the driving seat. Does anyone else remember this event. I think the year would be about 1934. My pal Keith Dixon also of Grantham Road – parents had the Bairswear and wool shop in Norton High Street. Mr Dixon must have been related to Freddie Dixon the famous racing driver whose garage Mr Dixon bought post war,also on Linthorpe Road almost opposite the Park gates. Keith and I were children of Mum’s and Dad’s who were first time buyers and occupiers of 13 Joseph Kidd 29 William Dixon (Billy) Grantham Road.
J.Norman Kidd

Does anyone have any pictures from around 1955 onwards of a ice cream shop in Tilery called Paleschi – peleski ice creams – my great grandmother has a shop next door or over the road called Annies. Any information on this is appreciated as my dad is not good health and would love to see this one last time. Please, please help.

Yes, I remember Paleschi’s coming round with a ‘ice cream bike’ in the 1950’s in Norton – the forerunner of the modern ice cream van… It had a big tub on the front of a pedal tricycle. Last year in 2017 I bought an adult pedal trike from a factory in York. They also do a version which is called ‘an ice cream trike’… although tradesmen also sold other stuff door to door way before the days of supermarkets. Italian ice cream was (and still is) very popular.

Does anyone remember the Simpson family who lived in Swiss cottage on the salt Marsh, Tees Road Seal Sands roundabout from around 1910 to mid 1980s John and Hannah Simpson and children, Margaret (Peggy), Molly, Elsie, John and George.

Hi I was born in Redmire Road which leads on to Spennithorne Road, in 1949, so spent a lot of time as child in the immediate area, not leaving there until 1975. As kids we spent most of our playtime playing games in the roads around the estate, (no traffic apart from the rag and bone man with his horse and cart and the dustbin cart). Spennithorne Road was a favourite in the winter after snow as with it being on a good slope was ideal for sledging or in the summer great for getting up speed on our home made go-carts. Many happy bruised memories of a childhood on a lovely estate.

Hi was wondering if anyone has any information with regards to a shop in old Tilery, it was a shop called Annie’s was run by my great grandmother Annie Rollinson in the 1940-1950 ish
would love to see this in pics

Hello. I am looking for a photo of myself from around 1968 to 70 from Billingham North Primary school. The only class I can remember is Mrs Lightowlers class that I was in at that time as me and me brothers moved away. I also remember being at that school when we had that bad large sleet shower and the day went into night….thanks

Hi, does anybody remember Sydney Street and Pat Geldart? I am her Daughter-in-law and we would be pleased if anybody has some photos from Sydney Street and the area. Does anybody know the Stoker Family in Portrack Street?

I am looking for a photograph of Charles Tinkler for an interpretation panel at Tinkler’s Yard, Norton. Below is the information that I have on him. Can anyone help?

Who was Charles Tinkler? Charles ran his wagon and haulage business from the site we know today as Tinkler’s Yard; the site occupies two acres at the north end of Station Road (formerly ‘Crook Dike Lane’); historically parts of Crooks Barn Farm (most of the land was developed in the 1960s for the Crooksbarn Estate and School). Charlie’s depot had large buildings and massive trucks, which explains the compacted nature of the soil. The Tinkler haulage business relocated by the mid1960s and Charlie kept poultry and livestock on his land until his death in 1987. He was a country man at heart and Tinkler’s Yard is his lasting memorial and a pleasing legacy for the people of Norton to enjoy.

I am currently writing a report for the SS Hazelwood which sunk with all hands on 19th October 1917. This report is part of our ongoing project “Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War”, executed and delivered by the Maritime Archaeology Trust, more info: http://forgottenwrecks.maritimearchaeologytrust.org/.

The SS Hazelwood was originally built by Ropner & Sons Ltd, Stockton-on-Trent, in 1904. The company has since been liquidated. I came across a photo from the shipyard on this site (http://bit.ly/2zFiAH2) and I was hoping that somebody might have some more information about the building of the ship. There are some contradictions with her armament in the existing records online. Does anyone know where the original documents from the shipyard might be? Or could point me in a direction to somebody who might know the answer?

The Museum of Hartlepool is said to hold some company records for the Ropner Shipbuilding and Repairing Co. Ltd. They have records from 1894 – 1925, but I do not know if they are continuous throughout that period. I hope that you find something relating to the Hazelwood there.

Rochester Road is one of the roads on the Roseworth housing estate in Stockton. As the estate was only built in the late 1950s-1960s, I do not think that you will find any information before that date.

I believe Kiora hall existed on the site however construction of the housing estate began in 1949 and was completed in 1954. A lot of the land in Ragworth and Roseworth was owned by Fewsters nurseries until Fern Park and Woodlands estates were constructed from 1961. Hope this helps.

I seem to remember a shop at the end of Silver Street going towards Thistle Green in the 1950s
displaying a replica of the Crown Jewels, it may have been a jewellery shop. Does anyone know the name of the shop and what became of the crown?

I am looking for some photos of Eubank Street in Stockton. There was a bomb in WW2 at the top of the street apparently. It was demolished at some point. I’m after some pictures to jog my fathers memory

Hello, I’m trying to find out about a photographer called Frank White who took photos for the Power Gas Corporation. I believe he lived in Redcar. There were a couple of photo book publications in his name published by the Power Gas Corporation one called ‘Stockton Day to Day’. Does anyone know anything about his life / his works? Thanks

I think Frank White worked at Turners Stockton as their industrial photographer during the mid 70’s and earlier when I think he must have been near to retirement. I’ve alerted the person I know who worked with him then to this post hopefully he’ll be in touch.

Hi, I’m looking for information about the Manor that once stood in Fairfield and also a church and its hall that was demolished to make way for new houses. It is now known as Manor Place behind the old Rimswell public house. I would appreciate any info. and the people/vicars who lived there.

Steve, have a look at a high resolution map showing the town of Yarm, which lies just south of Egglescliffe. Now look to the west of Yarm, and on the opposite side of the River Tees you will spot Holme House Farm. It is not a modern building as it appears on maps from the mid-1800s. The name comes from its location, as a “Holme” is a northern name for flat land which lies adjacent to a river. I am just not whether the location, so far to the west of the village of Egglescliffe, would have been classed as in Egglescliffe. But that property is your best starting point.

Hi I knew Blackiel from his time playing snooker in Sloaneswith a mate of mine Jimmy Robson they were well matched and had some great games.I met him again later after he married Ros Wegg and they lived in Eaglescliffe. He was a real character but not someone you would want to cross.

Hi again
There is a guy called I think Kevin McCullough who occasionally posts on the site who was a good friend of Blackie, Picture Stockton will have his E Mail and could maybe contact him for you. One more snippet of information a local man called Billy the Boxer taught Blackie how to box.

Louise, the Reference Library has electoral registers for that year which will tell you who was living at that address in 1993. If you are unable to visit the library yourself, please email us with the details at reference.library@stockton.gov.uk

I went to Holy Trinity School and left in 1955 the headmaster was Mr Nesbit, I worked at Stockton Odeon till 1968 and the school was there then, I think I was 8 years old when I started the school. I am trying to find what has become of the Odeon Cinema I understood the council bought it.

The 1891 Census shows the Durham Hotel as No. 24 Leeds Street, on the corner of Leeds Street and Durham Street. Mr Goodman was then the “innkeeper”. You may be interested in the following death announcement which appeared in the North-East Daily Gazette for 3 March 1897.
“On 2nd Inst. at 5 Cardigan Street, Stockton, Gennie Goodsman, beloved daughter of Adman and Mary Goodsman, late Durham Hotel, Stockton. Interment on Saturday , 2.30 at Oxbridge Cemetery. Friends please accept this invitation.” Cardigan Street was located just east of Stockton railway station.

We are trying to find a newspaper article about a boat built in the garden by a man called Ronald Thorpe. There was a article in 1963 and 1964 in Stockton-on-Tees. We are just trying to find the article for family.

Hello Brooklyn,
We have the Evening Gazette on microfilm for the years you require within Stockton Reference Library.
If you would like to book a film reader to view them please contact us on 01642 528079 or by e-mail: reference.library@stockton.gov.uk.
We also offer a search facility for a charge if you require.
Kind regards
Adele

Hello Picture Stockton. I have been informed that there is a website on which to book visits to the Transporter Bridge but so far I have drawn a blank. I am due to re-visit Teesside in the 1st week in September. A trip up to the top deck would be magic. Please can you help. Looking forward to your reply.
Ian Russell

I have five photos associated with St. Gerards School, one of which can be found on the Picture Stockton site, they consist of two football teams, one photo of a group of boy pupils, one photo of four teachers and a photo of the school building.

All of the photos were taken in the 1950s.

I have the names of a number of the pupils and teachers in these photos.

If you want them emailing to you then ask Picture Stockton for my email address and I will send them off to you.

If you find any photos of Cleveland Avenue then please let me know, My Grandmother, Father, Aunt and Uncles all lived at No3, and my step Mother-in-Law lived on the opposite side of the street and I would love have copies to use in our family photo album.

Hello Jeffrey,
The first reference we have for the Unicorn Inn, Known locally as the Top House is in the 1828 wards directory.
It might be worth contacting Teesside Archives to see if they have any plans etc for the pub.
I hope this information helps, if we can be of any further assistance you can contact us by e-mail on reference.library@stockton.gov.uk or by phone on 01642 528079.

I live in a similar type of house in Newham Grange. Both my house and the house next door had “Anderson” bomb shelters at the bottom of the garden. I have seen photos of them, but there is no trace of them now. I understand this type of shelter had a corrugated iron roof over which you could heap earth. They were usually positioned in gardens some distance from the house. They were not designed to protect against a direct hit, but to protect the family if a bomb caused the house to collapse. So they would very likely been used in other gardens in the area.

The following map of Stockton was surveyed in 1857. It shows Grangefield House situated in the centre of what became known as the Grangefield Estate. Go tohttp://maps.nls.uk/view/102341740
and zoom in to view the map in detail.

Hello Donna,
Here in the reference library we have lots of resources that may help you with your research including historic maps, local history books, newspaper cuttings and access to census records. Call 01642 528079 or email: reference.library@stockton.gov.uk if you would like further information.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Adele

Does anybody have any photographs of Stockton Bank signalbox either internally or externally. My interest is that Stockton is my surname and railways a hobby.
I would to be happy to purchase pictures if any are available.
Many thanks

Hi there. My Mother was from Stockton, she met my Father who is Chinese around 1965, he was working in China Restaurant, which was on Yarm Lane on the High Street. I just wondered if any photos exist of this premises in your archives? Thank you very much

Hi Sandra, I didn’t know your father but in 1954 whilst employed as a pre-apprentice by Heslop & Hall from Hartlepool, I worked at Head Wrightson Brenda Road Hartlepool, fitting 6″ water cooling pipes to the stamp forging machines. The forgings were transported to Fords at Dagenham. My father (Herbert Castling) was one of the drivers for Smith’s Hauliers who would load and deliver the forgings. Then the route to the south was the old A1 and it would be a good 6 or 7 hours journey in the old Seddon.

Hi. Thank you for replying. What a shame you did not know my wonderful dad. He sadly died in 2014. I was born in the Robson Maternity Home in August 1952. I am a retired teacher in Rotherham. Left Teesside 41 years ago. Still a fanatical Middlesbrough supporter.

Hi
I used to live next door to Norman and Olive and Alan when they lived at the Hardwick estate around about the early sixties. They where there a few years if my memory is right. Alan was a grammar school lad. I believe Olive died awhile back.
Norman often passed my house now on Roseworth 2017 but I have not seen him since. He told me Alan had passed away in China a few years ago with tears in his eyes, very sad.
Norman looked frail not sure if he is still with us.

Hello. My father was born in 1915 at Swiss cottage on the Seal Sands roundabout, ICI his father was John Simpson I was wondering if there was a picture of the cottage before my aunt left in the 80’s. I have a picture when it was empty.
Thank you
Mrs Anne Young (need Simpson)

Like many others I am a Jack Taylor fan, and of course a fan of Norman and Ken. Does anyone know if Ken is still alive?
I live on the West coast in Southport (between Blackpool and Liverpool) and want to open a small museum dedicated to the three Stockton lads.
It is incredible that no one has done this in Stockton… I know there is no money in it but the Taylors put Stockton on the map.
Other than my Jack Taylor bikes; 6 solos, 4 tandems and some pictures from the factory, I don’t have much else. If anyone has any news-clips or photos I would be very grateful for a copy.
Someone from their hometown stated ” we thought of ’em as ordinary blokes; nothing special”.
I would say they were legends, all three of them. Incidentally I have Norman Taylor’s own bike, built by himself in 1990, and that of his lady friend. It’s the only lady JT I have ever seen.
No matter how small your snippet please forward a copy, thank you, Mel Blake.

Walking my dog a few years back I often bumped into Jack and we would walk together talking, he certainly had all his marbles and I often got the odd tale about his life. He died age 90+ a couple of years ago the last of the Brothers. If you go on Picture Stockton and write Jack Taylor Cycles in the find box at the top of the page you will get pictures and stories from people who knew them.
Also go on http://heritage.stockton.gov.uk/ there you will find quite a write up on the bikes and brothers plus a picture of the three seater three wheeler bike they made.
Frank.

I am trying to locate Hodgson’s Yard in Billington, where my Grandmother Olive Smith lived, and where my father Terry Coyne was born. I know there is a Hodgson’s Yard in the centre of Stockton, but the references are very specific that there was also one in Billingham. Thanks in advance for considering.

The 1891 Census for Billingham shows that Hodgson’s Yard was situated off The Green, 5 properties along from the Black Horse (but I do not know which side of the pub this was). Ralph Hodgson was wealthy enough to be recorded as “living on his own means”. Hodgson’s Yard was probably behind his house, which overlooked The Green.

Hello, does anyone know where the offices would have been for distributing Ration Books during the war in Stockton. My Mum, Margaret McNaughton (nee Taylor) worked there during the war and I am trying to track down where it was and what sort of work she might have done there, working in “distributing” ration books.

My mother, Marie Rhodes (nee Watson) also worked during WWII distributing ration books. She is no longer with us but I remember her telling me that she worked out of the police station on Church Road but because there was no office space available she was allocated a jail cell from which to work.

Hi all, please can some one help me sort out a McIntosh problem I have… John William McIntosh married Virginia Harbisher last qtr 1940, they had 3 children, Lawrence W McIntosh. Mavis McIntosh. David McIntosh. I’m trying very hard to find who the John William McIntosh’s mother was, {John W McIntosh who married Virginia Harbisher} seems there are several McIntosh’s living in Stockton same time.
Please ask PictureStockton team for my e-mail if you think you can help.
{or just post as normal}
Many thanks.
Derek

Cliff thank you very much, he may well be related to my McIntosh’s, but my John William McIntosh was born 1912, his mother Milly McIntosh, nee Peacock.
His father was killed in first couple of weeks of great war breaking out, his mother remarried but i dont know if she took him when she left Stockton or he was brought up by my maternal great grandmother.
Thanks again Cliff for time and kindness.
All the best.
Derek.
ps amazing how many J W McIntosh’s around at this time.

Sorry for late reply, no never worked at brick yard, I was 8 years old 1956.
Grew up in Swainby Road and Blackets Brick yard was a okay area for me and older mates, went there many a time for newts.
All the best
Derek
ps went to Tilery boys school.

We live in the old terraced houses on Darlington Lane opposite the flats. Just wondered if anyone has any old photos of the houses, it be great to see them. I think the road was previously called Claremont Terrace when the houses were built 1900. Then it changed to Darlington Lane. Thanks.

Hello Again, I am currently trying to locate the Commercial Inn on Norton Road but unfortunately I have had no luck so far. As a long shot I am wondering whether it still exists but under another name. Any help would be appreciated.

There was a Commercial Tavern on Norton Road somewhere according to an old list of Public Houses that I found, not sure if it was the one which would have been situated at the roundabout near St Mary’s church at the top of Tilery bank. If you can get into Stockton reference library you will be able to ask to look at the old trade directories to possibly pinpoint its location.

Yes. Jon you are correct. The Commercial Hotel stood in Oxford Terrace, facing onto Norton Road, on the left just before the railway bridge. Long since demolished with the development of the new road system.

I seem to remember seeing a picture of the Commercial along with a number of postings on this site but as the photo’s are not categorized into groups anymore it won’t be easy to find unless you contact the Picture Stockton team.

Hi. The Commercial Tavern closed many years ago. The building still stands and has been turned into a house. My great grandfather William Proctor was the licensed Victualler as shown in the 1881 census.

Hi Derek, Sorry that I hadn’t picked this up before, but I only make infrequent excursions onto this excellent website. It would seem that you and I are somewhat tenuously related. In that the wife of Wm Proctor was Jane Ann Tyson, the sister of my G.Grandmother Elizabeth Tyson. I’m not sure if you have researched their history, but I can tell you that Wm died within months of the 1881 census being taken. Your G.Gmother then went on to marry a Charles Lilley in 1882. Your name must have come from one of the three boys they produced,one of whom went to live with their Grandmother, Dorothy Tyson on the 1891 census who was Licensee at the Teesbridge Inn, Bowesfield, South Stockton, along with John Lilley, the son of your G.Grandmother’s second marriage. As Wm Proctor was only 29 years old when he died it has intrigued me for years what his cause of death was, but since he wasn’t in my direct line, I’ve never pursued it. The Tyson family were big for a while in the Licensed Trade in Stockton, at the vanguard of whom was Joseph Tyson of St. Bees in Cumberland. My G.Gmother Elizabeth married James Beattie Henderson and they owned and ran the”Chocolate Box” on Yarm Lane.
I hold quite a lot of info on Tyson’ s and if you’re interested please contact me

Hello Anthony – my dad who was manager at John Nicholson grocery warehouse near St Mary’s church in the early 60’s used to pop in the ‘Commercial’ during his lunchtime. Not sure if it still exists but it was definitely where Bill Boyds gym now is – not actually ON Norton Road but very near it, above the bridge, near Tilery. John Nicholson also owned a ‘sweet warehouse’ nearby. Try looking up ‘Lost pubs’ on google – Stockton area. Good luck

In your picture archive there is the photo of two soda bottles. I would like to know whether the date of manufacturing or uses of the bottle on the right side with the crown cap is known. Any information is highly appreciated.

Yes there was a little shop halfway up on the North side. I used to drive a work van from Eaglescliffe to Seal Sands in the late 70s and pick up workmates on the way, one lived on Norton Green so we used to go down Beaconsfield and stop at the shop the odd time. I don’t know anything of its’ owner or history though

I’d be interested to know a little more about the ‘bottom shop’. I think for many years it was known as Carrolls. Was this a general dealer or a confectionery / newsagents etc? I believe this was detached from the terrace of Beaconsfield Street. Why was this, was it built before or after the terrace? Does anyone know what year Beaconsfield Street was built? I guess about 1905….I have seen reference to someone living there in the 1911 census. Any information appreciated.

Mr Carrol owned this business as a Saleroom for household items The Carrols lived in the new road built on the site of Norton House? demolished to make two roads parallel to Beaconsfield Road. I am getting a bit forgetful now at 89 and can not remember the road names. However the facts are correct.
J.Norman Kidd

Does anyone have any knowledge of John Fletcher, Builder, of Norton. My grandfather Richard Henry Thompson worked for the firm all his working life, from the 1890’s until his retirement after WWII; apart from his WWI service. His two sons Dick and Frank also worked for the firm. I believe that they did contract work for LNER, maintaining the tied workers cottages, and also building maintenance worked in Head Wrightson’s at Thornaby. I believe that the firm closed in the late 1940’s or early 1950’s, possibly due to bankruptcy. Any information will be helpful.

It looks as if Mr Fletcher had some very loyal employees. In addition to your relatives David, there was a William Laverick of Norton. He died in February 1940, aged 73, having worked for John Fletcher for 60 years!

Mr Fletcher had a yard in Station Road Norton next to the Signal Box, he had a horse and cart all the years I knew of them. My Dad Charles Philip Mee had a Haulage business and sometimes took loads to or from what we called the wood yard. Loading bricks and curbs often damaged the floor on the bed of the truck which were wood boards, Mr Fletcher would cut and fit new timbers. Norton was a small village still I think Dad and Mr Fletcher must have known each other a long time, I certainly knew of Bill Laverick though as a young lad you do not take too much notice. It did strike me as strange that at a time transport was rapidly motorising Mr Fletcher stuck stubbornly to his old horse.

Yes, a limited service. I know because I worked in the office and had to work Christmas Day or New years day. We also had a decorated Christmas Bus running through Dec. All done by the clever staff at the Bridge Road Depot. It was a treat if it was on your route.

Hello Nigel, the farm house was demolished either late 1960 or early 1961. It was known as Greens House Farm originally, and was a listed building. Sorry we can’t be more specific about the date.
Bets wishes, Julie.

Teesside Archives have a number of documents relating to the Hostel at Haverton Hill, unfortunately they are not yet on line, the titles can be viewed but not the content, a document dated June 1948 proposed that the Hostel could be used for the treatment of Scabies, another later one says that the Ministry of Labour had acquired the Hostel, you can visit the Archives by appointment to view the documents and they also have large format scanning equipment to make copies, I believe there is a charge for this, I did see a site listing all of the documents from 1919 until the mid 1950s but of course I now can’t find it, type Haverton Hill Hostel into Google and you will find a couple of sites worth visiting including the Archives.

This is a long shot but I was wondering if anyone knew about a Steve Horn. He was born in 1962 and now lives down south, but was born and grew up in Stockton. He stayed there until around the late 80s. From what I know he was a punk that wasn’t afraid of having some fun and he lived down Hertford Road, Leven Road, Green Dragon Yard and Berkshire Road, when married. If anyone knew of him when he lived in Stockton, it would be great to hear some stories.

Does anybody know the exact location of the McNaughton Launderette all I know is that it was in Bishopton Lane, Stockton-on-Tees and is the building still standing today if so whereabouts, what is the McNaughtons name that owned it? I’m wondering if they are my ancestors as I’m tracing my family tree.

You will find a grave in Oxbridge Cemetery related to the owner of the laundry. It’s quite near to road on the left hand side of the main entrance on Oxbridge Lane. There is also a photograph of Bishopton Lane on this site showing the location of the laundry. It was on the end of the block so you could see the name of the laundry on an old advertising sign.

My gran and her sister worked there when they first left school. It sounded very tough and Dickensian. My gran was born 1902.

I am trying to find out about a children’s care home in Stockton-on-Tees that my mother-in-law and her brother were brought up in from 1925 to 1939. Is there any such information available either from local authority or church organisations? I know that the Little Sisters of Nazareth were widely involved in the care of the elderly and from the 1920’s with children.

Does anyone know the name of the chief engineer of Stockton-on-Tees in the 1960s? This question was asked in our local “Who’s name was printed on the stockton buses” it was painted in white on the side of bus near the front wheel. Thanks.

I am trying to track down this story of a lady who lived on Station Road, Eaglescliffe. She sold her terrace house and all her belongings to fund a school charity in Africa. I remember her knocking on my door in Albert Road at the time asking me if I would like to buy her furniture and it was reported in the Gazette on the front page. I thought she was remarkable and I would like to find out if she was successful in her endeavours and whether I could offer to support in some smell way. Does anyone remember this? Do you have archives it must be about 10 years ago.

Hi. Doing a little research, I have found that my mams maternal side of the family used to run/own the Wheatsheaf in Norton High St, with a family name of Robson. Anyone able to direct me to some more info or pictures of the pub? Spooky how one of my first jobs was at Blackwells butchers, just up the road from where it was!!

Hi all, another question on my old school Tilery Boys, I’m not sure but several lads in my class John Calvert, Ray Ramsden, Denis Carter and one or two others were {from memory} the first in the school to be awarded Swimming “Proficiency in Personal Survival Awards”.
August 1962, I got Bronze & Silver, John Calvert I believe got all 3 {Gold} we were given our badges whilst at old Billingham baths and a photo was taken of this event, I remember in the
90s John Calvert had a very damaged photo from this time and would love to go through newspapers archives to find it. Is there anyone out there from our old school who can help me please or any one with a copy?
My two badges long gone but still have the certificates. Please ask Picture Stockton for my e-mail address if you can help or would like to contact me.
All the best.
Derek

I would like to add one more name to the above David Appleby, in every swimming compition we always swam together, we also {with David} represented the School {Tilery} in the Cox’s life saving compition at the old Billingham baths, the winners of the compition are shown here on Picture Stockton, from memory we came 2nd or 3rd.
Derek

I would like to ask which daily newspaper carried the article about the little lad who drowned in the clay hole between Swainby Road and Portrack, Summer of 1963. I was the first lad on the scene that day followed by my mate’s Jimmy Mannion, Franky large, Freddy Newby and the late George Thomas from Danby Road. I was great mates with these lads. The newspaper carried a photo of 4 lads sitting on stone steps in Swainby Road, I should have been the 5th lad in the photo but I was playing bowls. I could see the photographer taking the photo, all the lad were shouting me to jump over the beck (Lustrum) but I finished my game, with another good mate of mine, Brian Ransome. I’m trying to trace the photo and news story and would love to get hold of a copy…
All the best.
Derek Casey

Just to add a thought I believe this tragic incident happened during the 6 weeks summer holidays of 1963, could any one please help me confirm it was this time.
I would also like to try and get hold of a copy {news paper with photo and story}

Derek, as its likely to have been a local newspaper you may be able to find it yourself with the help of Stockton Library. I’m sure the very helpful staff upstairs will point you in the direction of the resources they have on micro-film and via the internet. If that fails then Middlesbrough Library also have all the old gazettes on micro-film and Darlington Library have old Northern Echo’s.

Thanks Jon, I was this afternoon told it may have been the Northern Echo. I’m hoping some one might remember if it was during the 6 weeks summer holidays, then knowing the month looking through microfilm a lot easier.
Thanks for reply Jon much appreciated.
All the best.
Derek
ps Please ask Picture Stockton for my e-mail address if you can help.

I now know the tragic event took place August 1963, I’d remembered that in recent years I’d put all my old swimming certificates I’d gotten from my days at Tilery Boys school, and remembered I’d also put the award me and my mates received at the old school from Councillor Temple in December 1963, and it states the tragic event was August 1963.
Now need the confidence to get to library in Darlington to look up microfilm.
All the very best.
Derek

Derek, try Stockton Library first as they may also have what you want, possibly via access to an internet site which they subscribe too, even if you just give them a ring to ask if may save you a journey to Darlington,
If you do end up going to Darlington check upon the location of the library first as I seem to remember hearing of its possible relocation, not sure if this happened though.

Thanks Jon, the library is still in Crown Street, I’d e-mailed them the other day, just pleased I found the right month, should make looking easier.
Just trying to drum up the confidence to jump on the bus and go.
All the best.
Derek

Hi all again! I would like to ask if any old Tilery Road boys who were still at school December 1963 remember myself Derek Casey, Franky Large, George Thomas & Fredy Newby {Jim Mannion was not from our school} being present with an award for trying to save a life in the clay hole August 1963. I’m wondering if any reporters were present at the time, the award was
presented by Councillor Temple.
Two of my very good old mates have since passed away George Thomas and Jim Mannion, I still have my award from that day. I did get to go and find the news paper on micro/film and get a copy.
All the best.
Derek

Hi Derek. Stockton Reference Library have the Gazette on microfilm from 1860’s to present day. If you have a fairly good idea of when the story would have appeared, you should be able to find it and print a copy of the page. Please call us on 01642 528079 for more details.

I’m doing some research into the family tree, and my great grandparents Robert and Mary Simpson (nee Whitfield) managed The Royal Albert in Hume Street, Stockton in the early 1900’s. I’m trying to find some old photographs of The Royal Albert. Is anyone able to help ? Many thanks. Paul Griffiths

I am trying to trace anyone who can remember my 3rd great grandparents, Mary Hannah and William Gibson. They lived at 13 Summerhouses Square with their sons William (my GG grandfather) and Alfred. Thanks

My house deeds in Leven Road, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees show a large triangular shaded area to the rear of the back garden (which further extends over the neighboring UNATTACHED property) which states that this land “WAS FORMERLY COPYHOLD OF the Manor of Stockton” and that mines and minerals there are excepted from the transfer.
Does anyone know what this means and what the boundaries originally looked like? I’m wondering if the peculiarly shaped land appearing on the land registry title is in some way a response to original manor of Stockton boundaries? Because I’m told land registry title outlines are drawn with reference to physical features on OS survey maps rather than to actual boundaries between properties. This may seem unimportant but I believe it has a real bearing on my property boundaries currently under discussion with my neighbour!

The municipal boundary of Stockton-on-Tees was extended throughout the 19th century as the town expanded. By 1939, when your estate was being planned, it extended to include Norton. You can see the municipal boundary on a 1939 plan of Stockton/Norton at this website http://maps.nls.uk/view/101100467

Hi. I am looking for any information on my mothers family. Jack John Morris married Dorothy Dora Page, they lived in Cuthbert Street and then 10 Maple Avenue, Thornaby. They would be aged 105 now. They had 3 children, Dorothy Sylvia, Alec and Margery. My mother was related to Ruby Volkes. Volkes shop was in Norton Road, Stockton. Can anyone help?

What did the Volkes shop in Norton Road sell?
If it was fruit and veg. then your line may go back to Thomas S VOKE and family who lived just off Norton Road, in Croft Street in 1911. In 1928, his son Arthur Frank VOKES married Ruby IREDALE. They named their daughter Ruby VOKES, she was born in 1936. In 1957 Ruby married Allan R HICK. But I have not yet found a link between the VOKES family and Dorothy Page.

There was a Palmerston Street in old Thornaby. It was one of the streets lying north of the Victoria Recreation Ground. You can see it on the following map athttp://maps.nls.uk/view/100941557
Zoom in on the top right hand corner where Thornaby is, and look for it above the recreation ground.

There was a street called Palmerston Street off Gilmour Street a lot of the streets in Thornaby were named after Lords or famous people in Politics. I lived in Russell Street from 1924 until after the second war then moved to Brotton in 1955. I am now in my 97th year. I do wonder if there is anyone still alive who may remember me.

Hi, i came across a site for St Thomas Stockton ” Book of Remembrance ” 1914-18,
one of the names was for Casey. John Pte 2nd battalion Durham Light Infantry.
Could any one please tell who John Casey’s parents were.
My Casey’s came to Stockton 1862, left for Yorkshire then came back and settled, I’ve accounted for all these Casey’s I believe but wonder who this other branch are.
Many thanks.
Derek

Derek, the 1891 Census shows this Casey family living in Acklam St. Portrack.
Thomas and Mary had the following children
James b.1876 in Gateshead
Ellen b. 1878 Stockton on Tees
Mary b. 1883 Stockton on Tees
John b. 1884 Stockton on Tees
Catherine b.1886 Stockton on Tees
Thomas b. 1884 Stockton on Tees
John enlisted in the DLI in 1900.
By the time of W.W.I he had married Isabella Pearson and they were living in Gateshead, with a daughter, Catherine.

I’m quite interested what the The White House retirement home was before? I heard it was a Manor House and also a children’s home and I can’t find anything linking to the address of 76a Darlington Road.

Immediately prior to becoming a retirement home it was a privately owned family house. Between 1970 and 1986 it belonged to Mr and Mrs Paul Guy Hall. Mr Hall was a vet in the practice Wilkinson, Gale and Hall, which had a surgery at 6 Bowesfield Lane. Before this, the house belonged to another family. I do not believe that it was ever a children’s home.

We recently found a box of Rainbow tinted sugar crystals which were produced by M&M Pumphrey Ltd, Thornaby-on-Tees, England. Is this company still in business? Do you know when it produced this product? Any other information you can provide would be interesting and helpful. Thank you.